The term Rodent includes about 40% of all mammals. Among them are rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, capybara, porcupines, prairie dogs, gophers, beavers, and quite a few more. While they all have their own particular breeding habits, mating seasons, birth rituals, and choice of nests, they do have some things in common. As with all fur-bearing mammals, the have live- births and they nurse or suckle their young. Rodents are the most spread out order of mammals on the planet comprised of over 2000 different types. They live in almost any habitat imaginable, including man-made environments. Some species that live in trees, others burrow while and some like the beaver live on the water. Most rodents are small to medium sized animals with cylindrical bodies, small heads, short legs, and long tails. They all have sharp incisors that grow throughout their lives causing them to chew continuously. Most prefer to eat grass, seeds, nuts, or other plant material, but the majority is opportunist eaters that will consume almost anything rather than starve. By nature, rodents are sociable creatures and like to cohabitate with others. Mating among rodents is according to species as well. Different ones can practice monogamy, to polygamy, or have multiple partners, but all bear Young in litters.



Rodents live everywhere in the world. They are found in every town and city, and on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Rodents can easily adapt to almost any type of habitat, wild or man-made found in any ecosystem in the world. They have been found living under the snow; dwelling in the most arid deserts. There are some that live in the trees and some that keep to complex underground tunnel systems. Many live on the surface of earth but burrow in deep to sleep and raise their young. We have found rodents that are semi aquatic, and spend most of their time in the water. Rodents have been raised as pets since the times of Elizabeth the first, used in circuses, furthered medical science and grown for food. They have also caused the plague, flooded countries by damning entire rivers and starved entire cities by destroying entire fields of crops in one night. Rodents are both beneficial and detrimental to our society. They have shown man the mysteries of science and the horrors of destruction. When dealing with rodents, it seems our fates are inexplicably entwined.

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Do rodents nurse their young?