Peromyscus maniculatus
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Mammalia |
| Order: Rodentia |
| Family: Cricetidae |
| Genus: Peromyscus |
| Species: Peromyscus maniculatus |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Deer mice are small, between 2 1/2 - 4", with a grey to red-brown coat. Their belly and feet are white, and their tail often has two colors. Their hind tracks are 5/8: with 5 spread toes. Their front tracks have 4 toes on front.
Habitat & Range
Deer mice live throughout most of the contiguous 48 United States, with exception to the Southeastern coast areas. They are found throughout much of Canada as well. They live in woodland and field habitat.
Behavior
They eat a variety of nuts, acorns, seeds, and insects. Often small piles of nuts will be left behind. Their nests can be found in small burrow openings created by other animals. They will nest in any available shelter.
Life Cycle
Deer mice have short life spans in the wild, and often only live a year or less. Their breeding season is early spring to late fall, and they will give birt to a litter of three to five young. Young mice develop quickly, and are fully dependent after a few weeks. They are fully matured at about 6 weeks.
Featured image by James Dake.