American hamster

An American hamster (Mesocricetus americanum), also known as the North American hamster and the hammie, is a species of hamster belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across North America to help boost biodiversity. The adult American hamster is around 6 in (15 cm) long, with a lifespan of around 7–9 years, living longer than most other hamster species. The American hamster is distinguished by its white underbelly and a more dull brown coloration on the top with black stripes than the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Body mass is usually in the range of 100–150 grams (3.5–5.3 oz), but American hamsters from private breeders can be in the range of 175–225 grams (6.2–7.9 oz). American hamsters, like their relatives from the Old World, are more crepuscular than nocturnal and, in the wild, remain underground during the day to avoid being caught by predators. They feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and vegetation, and will occasionally eat burrowing insects. Physically, they are stout-bodied with distinguishing features that include elongated cheek pouches extending to their shoulders, which they use to carry food back to their burrows, as well as a short tail and fur-covered feet. Sexually mature female American hamsters come into heat (estrus) every four days. American hamsters and other species in the genus Mesocricetus have among the shortest gestation period in any known placental mammal at around 16 days. Gestation has been known to last up to 21 days, but this is rare and almost always results in complications. They can produce large litters of 20 or more young, although the average litter size is between eight and 10 pups. The conservation status of the American hamster is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American hamster's wide range and its tolerance to most of the human activities.