Peromyscus maniculatus is a rodent native to North America. It is most commonly called the Deer Mouse, although that name is common to most species of Peromyscus and is fairly widespread across the continent, with the major exception being the southeast United States and the far north.Like other Peromyscus species, it is a carrier of emerging diseases such as hantaviruses and lyme disease. It is closely related to Peromyscus leucopus, the White-footed Mouse.
Ten Facts about Deer Mouse
- The deer mouse is small in size, only 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) long, not counting the length of the tail.
- Deer mice are nocturnal creatures who spend the day time in areas such as trees or burrows where they have nests made of plant material.
- Each litter contains about four mice that develop in the mother for approximately one month.
- While their maximum life span is 96 months.
- Deer Mouse are found in places including Alaska, Canada, and parts of South America.
- The deer mice feed on seeds, fruits, arthropods, leaves, and fungi
- The female deer mouse can reproduce at all times of the year.
- Deer mice reproduce profusely and are highest in numbers among their species compared to other local mammals.
- Many predators hunt these rodents including badgers, weasels, ferrets, hawks, owls, coyotes, foxes, bobcats and snakes.
- Deer mice can be found active on top of snow or beneath logs during the winter seasons.
