Maus

These tracks on fresh morning snow are evidence of either a white-footed mouse or a deer mouse. 

 

The most common mouse in Wisconsin and most widespread of mouse species across North America is the deer mouse.  And you will find it in nearly every type of habitat within that range.  You will find them in your yard, forest, your shed, nibbling-upon the washer hoses of my Honda CRV and during the winter in my bird nest boxes.  Approach a nest box and get a whiff of a strong smell of urine?  Deer mice have taken-up residence.  It is the most widely distributed and abundant mammal in North America.  

The white-footed mouse is also widely distributed but prefers wooded or brushy areas.  It is sometimes found in open areas. 

 

This rodent is a common source of food for foxes, coyotes, hawks, owls and snakes.  Yes, life is short when you live near the bottom of the food chain - which would explain why they are so prolific.   Litters are 1-8 pups three times a year.   And each is sexually mature at a month and a half of age. 

 

They’re not aggressive and are actually quite tame.