Why Do Hamsters Have Cheek Pouches?

5/4/2014
Updated:
7/18/2015

Hamsters, squirrels, platypuses, chipmunks, and some primates can store food in their cheeks! Besides being incredibly cute, what is the purpose of these cheek pouches? Trace is here to discuss how these adorable pouches evolved over time, and why they’re necessary for the survival of the species in the wild.