Chinchilla

Photo Courtesy of Molly Anderson.

Have you ever heard of a teeny tiny animal that's part rabbit, part squirrel, and has fur that feels like a cloud? Say hello to the Chinchilla!

What is a Chinchilla?

A chinchilla is a small, adorable rodent, which means it's related to guinea pigs and mice. They are originally from the very high, cold Andes Mountains in South America, where they live in rocky areas. They are usually active at dawn and dusk, which is called being crepuscular.

• Size: About the size of a small cat or a rabbit.

• Home: In the wild, they live in big groups called herds in rock crevices.

• Diet: Herbivores, meaning they love to munch on plants, hay, and grasses.

The Chinchilla's Super Powers

Even though they dont look like the strongest animal in the kingdom, these furry friends have some seriously cool abilities that help them survive.

Softest Fur in the World Chinchillas have the densest fur of any land mammal! It's their number one superpower for staying warm high up in the mountains. While humans usually have one hair per spot, a chinchilla can have up to 60 hairs growing out of a single tiny spot! It's so thick that even tiny pests like fleas can't live in it.

Dust Bath Chinchillas never take baths in water. Water makes their dense fur too wet which makes them sick. Instead, they roll around in a special, fine volcanic dust. This is called a dust bath, and it's how they keep their coat clean, soft, and grease-free. Watching them roll and flip in the dust is super fun.

The Great Escape Artist If a predator, like an owl or fox, grabs a chinchilla, it has an amazing trick: it can release a clump of its fur and slip away. This is called "fur slip," and it's a great defense mechanism. Don't worry, their fur grows back.

The High Jumper Those strong back legs aren't just for running fast. A chinchilla can leap as high as six feet (taller than most adults) to jump across gaps or get to safety in the rocks.

Although teeny tiny, these creatures are mighty. Their softness helps them blend in as loving family pets, while their defense capabilities allow them to thrive in nature. This makes Chinchillas perfect for admiration.