HAMSTERS are a popular choice of pet, and don't require nearly as much attention as a dog.
But where do they come from, and do they hibernate? Here's all you need to know.
Where do hamsters come from?
Hamsters are small rodents that are commonly kept as pets.
Over 20 species of the creatures have been recognised, though only five are sold as house pets.
The animals originated from wold terrain in Asia, southeast Europe and the Middle East.
Though there are wild hamster populations to this day, they're a rare sight.
The rarest species, the European hamster – also known as the common hamster – was declared critically endangered in July 2020, with scientists warning it could be extinct in 30 years.
European hamsters are important for the ecosystem, as they're a so-called "keystone species", meaning they are important prey for various predators.
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How long do hamsters live?
Hamsters can live for up to two years but some may live longer according to the RSPCA website.
Hamsters teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetimes.
To keep them at a manageable length, they have a "self-sharpening" system in which their incisors are used to wear the teeth down while they're gnawing.
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In the wild they tend to eat a combination of cereals, seeds, insect larvae and larger insects, and as domestic pets they require a varied and balanced diet with all the minerals and nutrients needed to keep them healthy and strong.
Do hamsters hibernate?
In the wild, hamsters are known to hibernate to get through harsh winter conditions when food supplies are scarce.
However, most domestic hamsters never hibernate due to the warm, artificially lit homes they now tend to live in.
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In the wild, hamsters naturally prefer dry warm areas like rocky areas and sand dunes.
If the temperature is above 20 degrees, then your hamster is unlikely to enter hibernation.
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