Animal Profiles
Mammals

Hamster

Cricetidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Hamsters are burrowing rodents that often store food underground. This overview uses the European hamster as a representative.

Cricetidae

European hamster, one of the true hamsters within the family Cricetidae.

Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
European hamster populations occupy parts of Europe and western Asia, including open agricultural landscapes.
Habitat
Grassland
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Seeds, grains, plant material and some insects.

Classification

Common name
Hamster
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Cricetidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Rodentia
Family
Cricetidae
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Food can be carried in cheek pouches.
  • Burrows include food-storage chambers.
  • European hamsters are generally solitary.

Habitat and range

European hamster populations occupy parts of Europe and western Asia, including open agricultural landscapes.

Appearance and adaptations

Cheek pouches carry food, and strong front limbs help with digging. Body colour and size differ between hamster species.

Diet and behaviour

European hamsters are mainly nocturnal and usually solitary. Their burrows contain separate chambers, including spaces where collected food is stored.

Sources

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