I noticed a tunnel through the snow recently that the casual observer would likely attribute to the activity of a mouse. It might surprise you, but there are around twenty small mammals that the casual observer may simply dismiss as “a mouse.” Most, or perhaps all, are active throughout the winter months.
There is the house mouse of course which is not native to North America. It is likely native to Asia or India.
Deer mice and voles are probably the most commonly observed “mice.” About nine species are native to our state. Deer mice are medium brown or grayish brown with white undersides and feet, large ears and big beady eyes. Voles are generally small, grayish brown, with lighter undersides. Voles are what make all those tunnels of grass clipping left when the snow melts in the spring.
We also have three species of pocket mice which are less frequently observed. They have fur-lined cheek pouches similar to those found in pocket gophers. Their hind legs and feet are also quite large.
One of the more interesting mice are the jumping mice. We have two species. If you have been out on the prairies and saw some mouse sized animal jump up in front you that looked and acted like a cross between a mouse and a kangaroo it was probably one of these jumping mice. As you might surmise, they can be quite entertaining to watch.
We also have two or three species of shrews. They are typically much smaller than a mouse and have a long-pointed snout, small eyes, and short ears. They are insectivorous and are known to have the highest metabolism of any mammal.
These and some other smaller mammals are actually quite interesting and diverse in their biology and ecology. If you are interested in more information on the biology, ecology, and identification of these and other North Dakota mammals, you might want to check out Mammals of North Dakota by UND professor emeritus Robert Seabloom. First published in 2011, it is now in its second edition.
