6 NEBRASKAland • NOVEMBER 2015
By Lindsay Rogers
Peromyscus maniculatus
The United States is home to 15
different species of deer mice. All have
white feet, white undersides and brown-gray
sides and back. Most have extremely long tails – sometimes as long as the individual's
head and body combined.
The North American deer mouse is the most common of all deer mice species in North
America. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats including grasslands, forests and
even urban areas, but should not be confused with the common house mouse.
Although often believed to be a nuisance species, deer mice are ecologically extremely
important. They provide food for numerous species – hawks, owls, foxes, snakes, bobcats
and skunks to name a few.
Deer mice eat mainly seeds, such as acorns and nuts, but also eat insects. In cooler
climates, such as Nebraska, deer mice will cache food during fall months.
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A Mammal Brief
North American Deer Mouse
PHOTO
BY
JOEL
SARTORE
Lindsay Rogers is an outdoor education specialist
with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
