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Mouse
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Introduction
We have two common species of mice: Deer Mouse and White-Footed Mouse. Both make their nests in crevices or tree-holes out of sight. Mice have an amazing ability to leap and climb. They may even take over bird's nests in winter which they cover with piles of shredded material. They become active at sunset and sleep during the day. Adults are usually solitary, except during mating. Home ranges of females, who may also be larger than males, do not overlap. Male home ranges may overlap. Male deer mice are territorial and mark their areas with urine. Neighboring mice can recognize each other with scent. They do not dig burrows but will use burrows when found. They are also comfortable climbing trees. They usually leave their scat in their nests.
Food Habits
In spring, their diet is mostly seeds, and in summer they expand to fruits and berries and insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, flies, and caterpillars. During fall and winter, they eat nuts from oak, hickory, beech, pine, and spruce, and seeds. They make caches of food during the year.
Family Life
Male mice seek out female mice in late winter and spring and the two stay in her nest for several days. After mating, the male leaves. The female makes a nest of shredded materials , such as cattail fluff, moss, cloth, and bark. Nests are located under a rock, in a log, in a bird's nest, or in a tree cavity. A female may have up to 4 litters a year. There are usually 3-5 hairless mice in a litter. For the first two weeks, their eyes and ears remain closed and they nurse. During nursing the young are so attached to the mother's teats that they will not fall off if she is startled and runs. They are weaned after 4 weeks.
Winter Habits
Mice may need to be be active during the day to find food. In winter, many mice may huddle together in a nest to maintain body heat. They cache food in the fall in log piles, under rocks, and in tree knot holes.
Threats
Many animals kill mice, including cats, dogs, hawks, owls, weasels, raccoons, snakes, skunks, and people.
Benefits
Mice can be very cute to watch but sadly one of their benefits is large litters and being low on the food chain.
Problems and Solutions
Mice are the main host for Lyme disease. The source mouse does not become ill but ticks that feed on them spread the disease to other mice, animals, or humans. Check for ticks - if they are removed within 30 hours, illness may be minimal.