White Footed Mouse

Although all species in the genus Peromyscus often are referred to as white-footed mice or deer mice, the other species all have other common names. White-footed mice are structural pests in rural, summer/vacation, outbuilding, and shed-type structures, as well as suburban homes located near wooded areas. They are of medical concern because they are carriers of Hantavirus which causes Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The white-footed mouse is found in the eastern United States from mid-Maine south to western North Carolina, northern South Carolina, northern Georgia, and northern Alabama, and West to Montana, northern Colorado, and central Arizona.

Recognition

Adults have a head and body length about 3 9/16 - 4 1/8 inches, tail length about 2 7/16-4 inches, and hind foot about 7/8 inch long; ears are small, less than 1/2 inch high; weight is about 3/8-1 1/2 ounces. They are bicolored, upper parts grayish to rich reddish brown, belly and feet white. Tail is similarly bicolored, longer than half but usually less than length of head and body combined, and covered with short hairs/fur. Hind feet have six pads each. Young are gray above and white below.

Note that separation of species of Peromyscus is difficult, often requiring the service of a rodent taxonomist, but the characteristic of being bicolored with a hairy tail will easily separate them from the house mouse.

Habits

White-footed mice are nocturnal. They build their nests in any concealed location, such as old bird/squirrel nests, abandoned burrows of other small mammals, stumps, logs, and buildings. When a nest becomes soiled, it is abandoned and a new one is built in a different location.

They feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, beetles, caterpillars, and other insects. Their 2 favorite foods are the centers of black cherry pits and jewelweed seeds. In the autumn, caches of seeds and nuts are stored near their nests.

White-footed mice have a home range of 1/12 - 1 1/2 acres. Their populations vary from 4-12 per acre. They are active year round, but they may remain in their nest during very cold weather. A few may hibernate in the north.

During the colder months, they frequently enter homes, garages, sheds, and occasionally, stored RVs and other infrequently used vehicles. They may damage furnishings and foodstuffs. In unoccupied summer and vacations homes, the damage to upholstered furniture which they use for nests or nesting materials can be extensive.