Kangaroo rat

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Dipodomys ordii 

     This animal measures up to 30 cm in length including the long tail. In Canada, it is found only in the Great Sand Hills area of southwestern Saskatchewan and adjacent areas of Alberta. Their abodes are shallow burrows dug in loose sand. 
     In the wild they are solitary by nature and quite belligerent, frequently engaging in combat by leaping into the air and slashing at each other with their powerful hind feet. Against more deadly enemies, like rattlesnakes, they turn and vigorously kick sand into their faces. 
     When fleeing from danger, they use their powerful hind legs to cover the ground in a series of 2 m long hops in the manner of a kangaroo.