Mammal Monday -- Fun Facts about the Degu

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Last week, we looked at the beaver of North America.  This week, let's check out a rodent from South America -- the degu!  This little guy is a native of the grasslands of central Chile, but I saw them at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.  Here are two fun facts about the degu:

• Similar to reptiles, degus can drop their tails when attacked by a predator.  Unlike reptiles, the tails don't grow back.
• Degus "sand bathe" by urinating in a patch of sand and then rolling around in it.  Bruh, don't try this at home.

Want to learn more about degus?  Check out the National Zoo's website.

(all photos and videos are the author's)