Deer mice get their name from their coat pattern, which looks like a deer. It has a distinct dark upper body coloring and white undersides. This color pattern distinguishes the deer mouse from the house mouse. Typical of many mice species, they have bulging eyes, a long tail, and big ears. They have been found throughout most of the US, Canada, and part of Mexico.
Deer mice are typically 4-9 inches long from nose to the tip of the tail. The tail is slightly less than half of its total length. They have been found in many different ecological environments, from deserts to mountains. Poor climbers, deer mice are usually found on the ground. They have a long life span compared to most rodents and have been known to live over five years.
Deer mice are nocturnal, and prefer rural or semi-urban areas in which to live. They make their nests in brush, under tree limbs, abandoned burrows, beneath decks, or garages. They prefer to live outdoors and make their nests within 30 feet of a food source. If deer mice do come in a dwelling to nest, they prefer a quiet attic. They have different food preferences depending on the season. In the spring, they prey on larvae and insects. Other food choices are seeds and small fruits.
A female deer mouse is capable of reproducing four times a year. Each litter contains three to six young and the average gestation is 22-25 days long. Adults do set up a home range but typically do not defend it from others. Therefore, young deer mice will stay with the mother for some time after weaning. The fertility seen in deer mice is why they are a major food source for many different predators.
Deer mice are of great concern from a disease standpoint for humans. They are a carrier of the potentially deadly Hantavirus. Humans become infected when touching an infected animal or breathing in the fumes of urine and feces from an infected animal. Wearing a mask when cleaning up after rodents is may prevent the spread of disease. Do not camp or sleep in areas with rodent droppings.