Order: Rodentia

Family: Muridae

 

Deer mice are also referred to as white-footed mice. The deer Mouse is found throughout the Eastern United States and is prevalent in Upstate New York. Deer mice are primary carriers of Hantavirus, a potentially fatal disease in humans.

 

Description: Adult body length of the average Deer Mouse ranges from 2-3/4-4 inches long. Color ranges from pale grayish to reddish brown above with white below. The tail is approximately 2-1/2 inches long and is always dark colored on top and white below.

 

Biology: Females have between two to four litters per year with a range of one to eight young per litter. Since they begin breeding at about six weeks of age, their population can increase rapidly.

 

Habits: Deer mice are nocturnal (active at night). They are exceptional climbers and can gain access to the upper areas of homes and buildings. When nesting outside, they will nest in old trees, abandoned animal burrows or beneath decks. Inside they may nest in stuffed furniture, storage boxes, or wall voids. Mice can be extremely destructive to food areas such as pantries. These creatures are a more common problem in farming or rural areas.