▲This is the largest living rodent in the world. Native to South America, capybara can sometimes be found in groups as large as 100 individuals.

▲A semiaquatic rodent found in wetlands over a wide range of climates and habitats, muskrats are native to North America, but have been introduced to parts of Europe, Asia, and South America.

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With a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that protect against predators, porcupines are by definition the least cuddly of rodents. But they still score high on the cute wildlife chart!

▲Prevalent throughout most of Europe, this tiny bundle of fur is mainly active at night. Oddly, during the colder months, wood mice do not hibernate.

▲Native to the Andes mountains in South America, chinchillas have the densest fur of all mammals that live on land.

▲The term agouti refers to several rodent species of the genus Dasyprocta. Native to Middle America, northern and central South America, and the southern Lesser Antilles, the Mexican agouti is also called the sereque.

▲Long ears and long limbs lend this Argentina native a somewhat jackrabbit appearance. A near-threatened species, maras prefer to live in habitats with lots of shrub cover.

▲You'll need to be at an elevation anywhere between 300 to 5,000 m (980 to 16,400 ft) to spy this sturdy cliff-dwelling native of Chile and Peru.

▲Also called a rock chuck, this attractive ground squirrel is commonly seen in the national parks of southwestern Canada and western United States.

▲When traveling through North Africa, listen out for the chirp-like call of this stocky rodent, also known as a comb rat.

▲Huge ears and a tail double the length of its body are the standout features of this reclusive and mostly nocturnal rodent.

▲Burrows excavated within the banks of rivers, ditches, ponds, and streams are very likely the property of this expert swimmer and diver.

▲Its bold coat pattern of black and yellow-brown makes this a particularly good-looking species of lemming. But you'll need to be on the Fennoscandian Peninsula to admire it.

▲An official animal symbol of Canada and the official state mammal of Oregon, this is the largest rodent in North America.

▲The coypu, also known as the nutria, originates from subtropical South America but today is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

▲Once widespread throughout Great Britain, Ireland, and Italy, red squirrel numbers in these countries have decreased dramatically due to the introduction by humans of the eastern grey squirrel. Elsewhere in Europe and Siberia, this rusty-hued rodent thrives.

▲A membrane connecting its wrists and ankles enables this agile creature to glide from tree to tree. But as its name suggests, you'll have to travel to the land of the rising sun to admire this squirrel's flying skills.

▲These burrowing rodents can be seen digging up the earth in California, Texas, Utah, Colorado, and elsewhere across the southern United Sates and into northern Mexico.

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With its long ears and hind legs, this South American rodent is sometimes mistaken for a rabbit. However, its long bushy tail gives it away.

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There are 18 different species of hamster, the best-known of which is the golden or Syrian hamster. This is the type most commonly kept as pets.

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Three conspicuous white stripes running from head to tail distinguish this bushy-tailed rodent. Incidentally, did you know that squirrels are considered sacred in India and are not to be harmed?

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Native to Chile, these highly social creatures possess an elaborate vocal repertoire comprising up to 15 different sounds.

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This species of chipmunk is the same as that introduced in Europe as a pet in the 1960s. It is the only chipmunk found outside North America.

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One of the world's smallest rodents, adults reach a maximum size of only 120 mm (4.5 in), nose to tail.

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his diminutive and adaptable rodent is found in Middle Eastern deserts but is equally at home in riverine forests in Africa.

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Despite their name, these burrowing rodents native to the grasslands of North America are not related to canines.

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Also known as the Indian giant squirrel, its gorgeous three-tone color scheme is enchanting.

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Found only in Madagascar and an endangered species, these rats can leap almost 91 cm (3 ft) in the air, which is why they are sometimes referred to as giant jumping rats.

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Guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils... these rodents are favorite household pets. But did you know that there are nearly 2,300 different rodent species on the planet? And many of them are just as cute and cuddly.

Browse this gallery and gaze at these adorable furry mammals.