Animal of the Day: Chinchilla!

Chinchillas are the softest animal in the world (sea otters take 2nd place). Chinchillas are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at twilight and dawn.

Chinchillas are rodents who lie in the Andes mountains (dang South America has all the cool rodents.)

Chinchilla means little Chincha and is named after the Chincha people. The Chincha people hunted the chinchilla for their wonderfully soft fur; the chinchilla became a rarity due to over hunting for its fur.

Chinchillas can jump up to 6 feet. Among the chinchilla's defensive tactics are the act of spraying pee and releasing fur.

Chinchillas roam in herds. Chinchillas cannot sweat; they regulate heat by sending blood to their ears.