Chinchillas are either of two species of crepuscular rodents of the parvorder Caviomorpha.
They are slightly larger and more robust than ground squirrels, and are native to the Andes mountains in South America.
They live in colonies called "herds" at high elevations of up to 4,270 m.
Domestic chinchillas can be kept as pets.
Because of their high-strung disposition, they are not usually considered to be good pets for small children.
However, chinchillas can be very friendly animals if sufficiently acclimated to human touch as kits (babies), making them excellent pets for patient owners.