The chinchilla is a rodent native to the Andes mountain range in South America. Its name derives from the Chincha tribe of native South Americans. The Chinchas wore the fur of the animals and are credited with introducing Chinchillas to the Western world in the 1500s. The chinchilla is appealing, which explains its popularity as a house pet. It is described as looking like a small rabbit with mouse ears and a long furry tail, or like a squirrel with extra large ears.