Field Guide/Mammals/White-footed Mouse

Peromyscus Leucopus (White Footed Mouse)

Family: Cricetidae. Size: The total length of the White Footed Mouse is around 6.8 inches (173mm). The tail has a length of 3.1 inches (78mm) and their hind foot is around 0.83 inches (21mm). The weight of the mouse ranges from 0.03- 0.06 pounds (15-25g), with an average of 0.05 pounds (23g). Description: the general color of the back and sides is reddish or orange-ish. They have a dark brown stripe along the middle of the back from the head to tail. The throat, belly, and feet are white; the ears thin, sparsely furred, and prominent. Similar Species: The White Footed Mouse is very similar to the deer mouse in size and color. It is hard to find distinguishable features between them. Range: They are found throughout eastern United States as well as throughout the plains states. Habitat: They are most abundant in warm, dry forests and brush-lands at middle elevations. They build nests in places that are warm and dry, such as a hollow tree or and old bird's nest. Their home ranges from 1/2 to 1 1/2 acres with 4 to 12 mice per acre. Diet: The White Footed Mice are omnivores. Their diet include seeds, berries, nuts, insects, grains, fruits, and fungi. They do not hibernate in winter so they tend to collect seeds and nuts during the fall. Activity: They are primarily nocturnal. They will sometimes be out in the day if in high grassy areas or if there is overcast. Reproduction: They typically have 2-4 litter's per year, with 2-9 offspring per litter. They usually breed between March and October. They sometimes will breed more often in warmer climates. Lifespan: Their average lifespan is one year in the wild, but in captivity has an average lifespan of 1.5 years.

White- Footed Mouse