Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
Summary 2
The deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, is a small species, ranging between 11.9 cm and 22.2 cm in length and weighing between 10 and 24 grams. The species' tail can vary in length between 4.5 cm and 10.5 cm in length. Their body is round and slender. Deer mice have pointed noses, large ears, and large, black eyes. Their vibrissae, or whiskers, are long and noticeable (see Photo 1). The species' color is grayish or reddish brown and the underside is white. The dorsal and ventral colors are sharply differentiated. (See Photo 1).
The species is strictly nocturnal, therefore they most likely will not be seen in daylight. The species prefers areas with large trees, including mixed and mature deciduous forests. They are omnivorous and feed on seeds and invertebrates. They also gnaw on bones and antlers (making visible marks), in order to increase calcium intake.
Tracks consist of 5 front toes and 4 back toes (See Photo 2). Front tracks tend to be smaller than back tracks. Back tracks tend to be closer together than front tracks, as exhibited in Photo 2. The front tracks measure approximately 0.6-1.3 cm long by 0.6-1.1 cm wide. The back tracks measure approximately 0.6-1.4 cm long by 0.8-1.1 cm wide.
Scat ranges in color from dark brown to black. It is a irregular in shape, wrinkled, and twisted. The end of the scat tapers off. The dimensions of deer mice scat are 0.1-0.2 cm in diameter by 0.2-0.6 cm in length. (See Photo 3). The species deposits scat randomly, but it tends to accumulate along travel routes and foraging areas of the species.
The deer mouse is found in all areas of Utah, including Iron County.
Sources and Credits
- (c) samanthacutler, all rights reserved
- (c) samanthacutler, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
