CAPODEMUS SYLVATICUS
Wood mouse
  Classification Order Rodentia, Family Muridae.

Description The coat on the back is shiny and tawny, on the underside dirty white. On the throat there is often a small white marking. The eyes are large and the ears conspicuous. The hind legs are longer than the front legs. Length of head and body 9-10 cm (3.6-4 in), fail 7-11 cm (2.8-4.4 in); weight 15-259 (0.5-0.9 oz).
  Distribution Europe east to central Asia; North Africa.

Habitat Woods. cultivated land, and orchards.

Behaviour This somewhat gregarious mouse feeds on seeds, berries, fruit, and roots. It stores large quantities of food in storerooms in its burrow. In winter it often takes up residence in people’s homes, on the lower floors, and is fond of flour and grain. It does not enter hibernation, but when a winter is partic-ularly severe in falls into a sort of torpor. It is mainly active dur-ing darkness. It walks in small hops and is a good climber. It reproduces 4 times between March and September. After a gestation period of 23-26 days the female gives birth to 5-9 young in a spherical nest made with dry grass. The offspring are independent at about 3 weeks, and reach sexual maturity at about 2 months.