PEROMYSCUS MANICULATUS
Deer mouse
  Classification Order Rodentia, Family Muridae.

Description The coat is variable in colour due to different conditions in different parts of the large geographic area occu-pied by this species. The colour ranges from pale gray to dark reddish brown. The tail is white underneath and dark on top. The feet are white; the eyes and ears are relatively large. Its general appearance is similar to the species of the widespread European genus Apodemus; A. syfvaticus (188) is shown in this book. Length of head and body 7-10 cm (2.8-4 in), tail 5-12cm (2-5 in); weight 25-30 g (0.9-1 oz).
  Distribution North America from Alaska to Mexico.

Habitat Varied: forest, prairie, rocky terrain, and even near buildings in suburban areas.

Behaviour This mouse feeds on seeds, nuts, and insects. The nest is dug in the ground or built in the hollow of a tree, in rocks, or in buildings. Food is stored in "larders" in the nest complex. Mating usually takes place February-November and varies with latitude; gestation lasts 25-27 days. There can be up to 4 litters a year, each with 3 to 5 young. (The female has 6 nipples; 1 pair is pectoral, 2 pair are inguinal.)

Note The genus Peromyscus (deer mice) is quite large and highly speciated, having 49 distinct species occurring in vari-ous parts of North America. The species P. manicufatus is the most widespread and variable of the species.