Deer Mouse – 11/26/08

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 11/26/08

Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Bluebird house in field near Gavins Pond Road

Common Name: Deer Mouse

Scientific Name: Peromyscus maniculatus

Comments: Deer mice sometimes take up residence in bird houses. They can live up to five years in captivity but probably only live about a year in the wild. This shorter natural life span is primarily due to the very large number of predators that take and consume deer mice. These predators include foxes, coyotes, snakes, owls, hawks, and many other species of birds. In the absence of these predators, deer mice populations can become explosively large leading to serious environmental damage and degradation.

More Information: Animal Diversity Web