Gerbils are native to many parts of the world. The type of gerbil commonly kept as a pet is the Mongolian. These gentle, hearty little creatures are easily tamed and seldom bite, usually only if they feel threatened. Mongolian gerbils generally grow to about 4-inches with a tail of the same length. Through selective breeding, pet gerbils are available in a variety of colors, usually with white fur on their bellies. Well cared for gerbils have an average life span of 2 to 4 years. Mongolian gerbils are not nocturnal although they are sometimes active at night. They will go through several sleep/active cycles in a 24 hour period.
