Family: Dipodidae, Jumping Mice view all from this family

Description Orange-brown to brown back with dark stripe; yellowish sides and whitish belly. Long bicolored tail; tip not white. 1 small molariform tooth precedes 3 large molariform teeth. L 7 3/8"–10 1/8" (187–255 mm); T 4 1/4–6 1/8" (108–155 mm); HF 1 1/8–1 3/8" (28–35 mm); Wt 3/8–1 oz (13–28 g).

Endangered Status The Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse, a subspecies of the Meadow Jumping Mouse, is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as threatened in Colorado and Wyoming. The decline in this subspecies' numbers can be primarily attributed to the loss and modification of its habitat by agricultural, residential, commercial and industrial development.

Habitat Dense streamside shrubby thickets and undergrowth, often among willows.

Range Southeastern Wyoming south through central Colorado from Larimer and Weld Counties to El Paso County, up to 7,600' elevation.

Discussion This mouse hibernates from early fall (as early as mid-September) until mid-May.