A cute rat lives high in the Andes highlands and rocky crags of South America, often looking worn and unhappy.
The southern viscacha, also known as a mountain viscacha, looks like a fluffy rabbit or chinchilla with his long ears and powerful hind legs, but he’s actually more like a giant mouse.
Sitting up on his haunches, sunbathing, the droopy corners of the viscacha’s mouth and closed eyes make this animal look like he’s in serious need of a nap.
Southern viscachas have recently gone viral on Twitter for their bored, sleepy expressions — which, as some people have pointed out, makes them the perfect pandemic mascot or “spirit animal.”
You can only determine what type of mood the viscacha is in by glancing at his long, fluffy tail; an extended tail indicates worry or distress, while a coiled tail indicates tranquility.
Viscachas spend most of their time sleeping and grooming their thick coats on rocks and stones. These huge rodents are nearly completely spherical, weighing over 6 pounds and reaching lengths of 12 to 18 inches.
While the viscacha’s short front paws aren’t ideal for digging, his speed and superior climbing skills more than compensate. These gregarious animals, who live in enormous colonies, have a large vocabulary of sounds and whistles that they use to warn each other when a predator approaches, allowing them to scurry into their tunnels between the rocks.
But don’t be misled by the viscacha’s demeanor; this laid-back creature is actually incredibly content. Perhaps we can all learn a thing or two from the viscacha’s laid-back demeanor, which makes him an excellent mascot.
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