Burrows and Burrowing Behavior of Onychomys leucogaster

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Abstract
A study of the shelter-seeking behavior of captive northern grasshopper mice was made in 15 × 15 × 3 ft sheet metal enclosures. Observations showed that grasshopper mice invariably dug their own burrows. The following types of burrows were recognized: nest burrows, retreat burrows, cache burrows and miscellaneous burrows, including those used for defecation and signposting. Records showed that the burrows provided the mouse with a refuge from extreme fluctuations of temperature. Nest burrows were dug by males with the help of females; individual mice did not dig nest burrows. The burrow entrances were not noticeably raised above the surface, and nest entrances to burrows were not in protected areas.

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