X-ray of Hamster Eating Reveals True Purpose of Chubby Cheeks

Watching tiny animals eat on the Internet is probably high up there in workplace pastimes. However, if you were able to learn something cool along the way, then maybe your five minutes on YouTube wouldn’t be a complete waste of time.

In a BBC One documentary called Pet—Wild at Heart, a hamster is filmed up close stuffing food into its cheek pouches. To get a more detailed look at how the mini mammal is able to fit so much food into its face, the hamster is X-rayed.

It’s fascinating to see how much the tiny creature is capable, and willing, to shovel into its mouth before it gives up. Those cheeks definitely aren’t just for show.

Side note: Hamster eating contests could be way more entertaining than hamster races. Though maybe don’t mention this to PETA.

Check out the adorable video below.

h/t Mashable