Peromyscus – Deer mice

With over 50 recognized species, deer mice occupy an astonishing range of habitats—from deserts and grasslands to forests and even alpine environments. They get their name because of their graceful, deer-like movements and their distinctive coloring: most have large dark eyes, rounded ears, soft brown or gray fur, and white bellies and feet. Small but adaptable, deer mice are often mistaken for house mice, but they are more robust in build and far better suited for wild habitats. Their adaptability has made them one of the most successful rodents on the continent.

What makes deer mice stand out is their ecological flexibility. They are opportunistic feeders, eating seeds, nuts, fruits, fungi, and insects, depending on what’s available. This dietary versatility helps them survive in environments where food supplies constantly change. Deer mice are also excellent climbers and jumpers, which allows them to forage not just on the ground but also in shrubs and trees. They build nests out of grasses, shredded bark, or fur in burrows, hollow logs, or abandoned bird nests, adjusting their homes to fit their environment.

Deer mice also play an important role in their ecosystems. By hoarding and transporting seeds, they act as natural seed dispersers, helping forests and grasslands regenerate. They are also a key food source for a wide variety of predators, including owls, hawks, snakes, foxes, and weasels. However, their close proximity to humans has a double edge: deer mice are known carriers of hantavirus, a rare but serious disease that can spread through their droppings and urine. While they themselves are unaffected, their role as reservoirs for this virus makes them significant not only in ecology but also in public health.