Family: Muridae, Mice and Rats view all from this family

Description The largest North American mouse in its genus. Yellowish brown or gray mixed with black above; whitish below, often with buff spot on breast. Tail usually not sharply bicolored. Feet white. Ears large. L 8 5/8 -11 1/8" (220-285 mm); T 4 5/8 -6 1/8" (117-156 mm); HF 1-1 1/8" (25-29 mm); E 3/4 -10 (20-25 mm);Wt 1 1/8 -1 7/8 oz (33.2-54.4 g).

Similar Species All other deer mice are smaller.

Breeding Up to 6 litters per year of 2 young each; gestation in laboratory 21-25 days.

Habitat Brushy hillsides and ravines; chaparral.

Range Southwestern California.

Discussion The California Mouse eats the fruits, seeds, and flowers of shrubs, as well as fungi, laurel seeds, berries, and insects, spiders, and other arthropods. It often lives in the house of a woodrat. Unlike most mice, this species is monogamous, and a male and female will share a nest for extended periods. Territorial, it actively defends its nest from members of its own sex. Weasels and barn owls are among its chief predators.