Here’s the detailed information on the distribution and habitats of wild hamsters, primarily concentrated in northern China and parts of Asia:
🌍 Major Distribution Regions
In China
Provinces north of the Yangtze River, including Shandong, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia
High-altitude meadows and shrublands on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
International Distribution
Mongolian grasslands, northern South Korea, arid semi-deserts of Iran and Syria
Temperate farmlands and river valleys in central and eastern Europe
🏞️ Typical Habitats
Topographical Features
✓ Cave systems in grasslands and semi-deserts
✓ Earthen slopes and irrigation ditches along farmland edges
✓ Gaps in suburban gardens or abandoned buildings (occasional sightings)
Activity Patterns
• Nocturnal, active from 19:00–22:00 and 01:00–04:00
• Dig 1-meter-deep burrows to overwinter in winter
⚠️ Important Notes
Wild hamsters are aggressive, emitting sharp squeaks and potentially biting when encountered.
Some species (like the Chinese hamster) are protected animals; capturing them is prohibited.
"Wild hamsters" found in cities are often abandoned pets—contact animal protection organizations if spotted.
For wildlife observation, visit grassland reserves in northern China during summer evenings with an infrared telescope.