Patagonian Mara

This animal would be the deer of the rodent world! The Patagonian mara lives in southern South America. It resembles a very small deer in both looks and behaviour. It is a fast runner, and is also good at jumping. They look a lot like antelopes when they run! The mara is herbivorous, and eats greens and fruits. This rodent will live in scrubby, desert like places, and also places with a few small bushes and plants. Maras live in underground tunnels, much like jackrabbits. The male maras often sit by the group and look for danger. When a predator such as a fox or bird of prey comes along, the rodents will disappear into their tunnels. Young maras look like miniature adults, sometimes with longer fur. They are very cute!