Kangaroo Rats Demand Grass In Riverside
Stephens' kangaroo rats, a species endemic to Southern California, have a comfortable living situation in southwestern Riverside County. But the hopping rodents felt their mecca was missing one vital component - grass.
L.A. Times reports 150 of the furry rodents were relocated to roam the Southwest Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve last year. To ward off predators, mountain lion urine was sprinkled on the grounds. But the rats needed more.
Workers for the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy, as part of its bring-back-the-rat program, planted 1,000 4-inch grass seedlings this week, providing needed sustenance for the creatures. As granivores, kangaroo rats are known to eat filaree, brome grass and other grasses and forbs.
The majority of the reserve is not open to the public, but three trails are available for hiking and horseback riding - in case you want to catch a glimpse of the kangaroo rats enjoying their new verdure.
