prairie deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Not confirmed.

 

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 Feb-
ruary 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.

 

 

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