Definition
A "pocket rat" isn't actually a rat! It's a colloquial term often used to describe various rodents that carry food in cheek pouches. These pouches allow them to transport seeds and other edibles back to their burrows. Think of them as having built-in shopping bags! Unlike true rats, pocket rats are typically smaller and have fur-lined pouches. They are more closely related to gophers and kangaroo rats than to common rats. These rodents are expert hoarders, storing large quantities of food for later consumption.