Family: Heteromyidae, Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats view all from this family

Description A large pocket mouse. Fur coarse; grayish with yellow hairs interspersed; white below. Rump has black hairs but no spines or bristles. Long tail tufted at tip. Small white spot at base of ear. L 7 7/8-9" (201-230 mm); T 4 1/4-5 3/8" (110-136 mm); HF 1-1 1/8" (26-28 mm); Wt 7/8-1 3/8 oz (24-38 g).

Similar Species Most other pocket mice in its range are smaller. Desert Pocket Mouse is yellowish rather than grayish, and usually smaller. Long-tailed Pocket Mouse is smaller, and lacks yellow hairs in its grayish fur. Rock Pocket Mouse is smaller and has weak spines or bristles on rump.

Breeding Breeding is subject to environmental conditions, but peaks in spring and summer. Number of young averages 3 or 4.

Habitat Rocky slopes in desert and desert-grassland areas, often in transitional areas between rocky hillsides and desert flats.

Range Extreme s California, s Arizona, and Hidalgo County, New Mexico.

Discussion Bailey's Pocket Mouse does not hibernate. It is active all year, although its winter activity may be reduced. It feeds on a wide variety of seeds, as well as other vegetation and insects. It will carry some seeds in its cheek pouches back to its burrow as a reserve for winter. In Arizona, it often occurs with Arizona and Desert pocket mice and Merriam's Kangaroo Rat.