 DEER MOUSE
Other Names: Field Mouse, White-footed Mouse
Feasting on seeds, grains and fruit, Field Mice often aggravate farmers when they infiltrate grain silos and storage bins. These rodents are well-known carriers of the deadly Hantavirus which has caused numerous deaths in the United States. As prolific breeders, they pose serious health risks for humans and pets. | |
Description of the Deer Mouse
Scientific Name: | Peromyscus Maniculatus | Color: | Reddish-brown to golden brown, white feet & chest, bi-colored tail | Weight: | ½-1 ounce | Length: | 4 inches | Tail Length: | 2.5 inches | Body: | Small head & body; larger than a House Mouse | Ears: | Large, sparsely furred ears | 
| Eyes: | Large, protruding black eyes | Lifespan: | 2 years | Droppings: | ¼ inch long; pointed ends; dark color | | | | Reproduction of the Deer Mouse Litter Size: | 4 pups per litter | | | 
| No. of Litters: | 2-4 per year | | | | Sexual Maturity: | 1 month | | | | Gestation Period: | 20 days | | | | Breeding Season: | Indoors: All year; Outdoors: Spring & Fall |
| | | Diet of the Deer Mouse 
Daily Amount: | 1/10 ounce | Daily Water: | Utilize moisture in food | Daily Food: | Insects, nuts, seeds, berries | | | | Habitat of the Deer Mouse Geography: | Eastern 2/3 of the US; rural & semi-rural; do not appear in urban environments | Nest Location: | Ledges beneath decks, garages, barns, inside of cars, burrows around tree roots; Less than 30 ft. from food source | Home Range: | up to 30 ft. from nest | Active Periods: | Nocturnal; most feeding occurs 30 minutes after sunset and before sunrise |
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