(Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii)

Characteristics

This is a medium-sized species with a total length from 166-200 mm. The tail has more than half of the total length, with a conspicuous pencil of hairs at the tip. The eyes are large and the color of the sides and face are reddish brown. The back is somewhat darker, the belly white, and the tail sharply bicolor (grayish brown above and white beneath); the feet are white. The breeding season is normally from February to November and there are usually 3-5 young per litter with 2-4 litters per year. Individuals defend territories. This species is native and rarely lives more than 2 years in the wild.

Distribution

This subspecies of deer mouse is found in the northern quarter of the state. This species favors early successional stages when surface ground coverage is sparse with little or no woody vegetation. They are normally absent by the time the trees reach 20 feet in height. They are found in herbaceous vegetation, which consists of aster, festuca, lespedeza ribes, and rubus.

Foods

This is an omniverous mouse that feeds on insects as well as fruit and nuts.