Deer Mouse
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
(Muridae)
Global Rank:
G5
State Rank:
S5
Agency Status
USFWS:
USFS:
none
BLM:
none
General Description
The deer mouse in Montana measures approximately 6 1/2 inches long, including its tail, and weighs under an ounce. Throughout the Intermountain West it varies in color from pale gray to dark reddish brown on its back and upper tail. Its belly, legs and feet, and the underside of its tail are white. Although the upper fur grades to a lighter color along the sides, it is distinguished by the sharp definition between top and underside. In addition, the deer mouse's large, lightly haired ears and big eyes, suited for its nocturnal habits and under-the-snow winter life, help to identify it (Foresman 2001).
Economic Value
Probably the primary reservoir for the newly discovered hantavirus, which was responsible for several human deaths in the southwestern U.S. in 1993; infection of humans has been recorded in several states in the western and central U.S.; those in contact with deer mice and other wild rodents should be cautioned about this disease; call the CDC Hantavirus Hotline 1-800-532-9929 for more information (Science 262:832-836; Peromyscus Newsletter, No. 16, September 1993). See also Childs et al. (1995).
Migration
Non-migratory.
Habitat
In virtually all habitats - sagebrush desert, grasslands, riparian areas, montane, subalpine coniferous forests & alpine tundra (Hoffmann and Pattie 1968, Metzgar 1979, Pattie 1967). Usually not seen in wetlands (Jones et al. 1983).
Food Habits
Omnivorous diet although dentition is adapted for seed eating. Invertebrates important in warm months, green plant material a minor but important component. Stores some food in burrow (Jones et al. 1983).
Ecology
In forest areas densities peak about 2-5 years after clear- cutting, then decline as succession advances. 15 yrs. after cut, uncut & cut densities similar (A81RAM01). On prarie production may be linked to precipitation.
Reproductive Characteristics
In Beartooths beg. breeding May or June -- 2.3 litters/yr., adults ave. 6.4 young/litter. In Missoula co. breed April - Nov., in Rosebud co. females preg. Mar-Oct & ave. 5.25 young/litter (Metzgar 1979, Pattie 1967).
Citations & Sources
- Kritzman, Ellen B. 1977. Little mammals of the Pacific Northwest. Pacific Search Press, Seattle, WA.
- Burt, W. H. and R. P. Grossenheider. 1964. A field guide to the mammals. 2nd edition. The Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA.
- Farmer, Patrick. J., et al., Western Technology and Eng., Inc., Helena, MT., 1984, Montana Tunnels Project Baseline Terrestrial Wildlife Study. December 14, 1984. In Application for a Hard Rock Operating Permit, Montana Tunnels Project, Jefferson County, Montana. Vol. 3. Environmental Baseline Reports. (Centennial Minerals, Inc., Hydrometrics, 1984?)
- Foresman, K.R. 2001. The wild mammals of Montana. Special Publication No. 12. American Society of Mammalogists
- NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. 2002. Version 1.6 . Arlington, Virginia, USA: NatureServe. Available: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: March 20, 2003 ).
- Zeveloff, S. I. 1988. Mammals of the Intermountain West. Univ. of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, Utah.
