Eurasian Hamster

Cricetus cricetus

This is the largest hamster species in the world, growing to the size of a guinea pig and capable of carrying up to 30 grams of food in its elastic cheek pouches.

Scientific name

Cricetus cricetus

Taxonomy

Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Rodentia › Cricetidae › Cricetus

IUCN Red List status

Critically Endangered

Population trend

decreasing

Biome

grassland

Habitat

Steppes, meadows, pastures, and agricultural fields with deep, diggable soils.

Diet

Omnivorous; feeds on seeds, grains, green plants, roots, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates.

Range

Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, Kazakhstan

Size

20-35 cm in length, weighing 220-650 grams

Lifespan

2 to 4 years in the wild

Active

crepuscular

Threats

Agricultural intensification, habitat loss due to urban development, climate change, and widespread rodenticide use.

Safe to approach?

Defensive. Do not attempt to touch, corner, or handle this species; they are fiercely territorial and will deliver a painful bite if threatened. Maintain a safe distance of at least 3 meters. If bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water, and seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection.

The European hamster ( Cricetus cricetus ), also known as the Eurasian hamster , black-bellied hamster or common hamster , is the only species of the genus Cricetus . It is native to a large range in Eurasia, extending from Belgium to the Altai mountains and Yenisey River in Russia. Where abundant the animal is widely considered a farmland pest, and it has also been trapped for its fur. Across its global range, it is considered of least concern, but in

Photo: Christoph Moning, CC-BY, via iNaturalist

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