The coat is long and soft, and the underfur is dark rufous in color. The body is quite slender, though this feature is difficult to see because of the long fur. The forefeet have very long and powerful claws. It is an efficient digger. Colonies in stony areas live in crevices among the rocks.
Outside activity is almost entirely diurnal.
Individuals generally forage near the burrow, turning over stones and rooting in crevices. Each family contains a pair of adults and their young. The female may be larger than the male and may dominate him. At least 10 vocalizations have been identified, including a threatening growl and an alarm bark. There is normally a single annual litter.