Hamsters are known to run on wheels for several reasons. One main reason is that it helps them to stay active and maintain their physical health. In the wild, hamsters need to run long distances to search for food, so running on a wheel in captivity allows them to fulfill this natural instinct. Running on a wheel also helps hamsters to burn off excess energy and reduce stress. Additionally, it provides mental stimulation and prevents boredom, which can lead to behavioral issues in captivity.