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

Description Smallest pocket mouse in its range, with coloration varying from gray to reddish-brown to cream dorsally, with paler buff or white hairs on undersurface. Tail relatively longer than that of San Joaquin Pocket Mouse, hind foot averages shorter than that of Arizona Pocket Mouse.

Dimensions 110-151mm, 56-86mm, 6-11g

Endangered Status The Pacific Pocket Mouse, a subspecies of the Little Pocket Mouse, is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as endangered in California. This coastal-dweller plummeted in number as residential development overtook its habitat. For about 20 years it was assumed to be extinct, but a single population of fewer than 40 mice was discovered in 1993. These remaining mice are preyed upon by feral and pet cats. The subspecies only hope for survival is the removal of cats from its vicinity and the preservation of its habitat or its relocation to a new habitat.

Habitat Grasslands & prairies, Deserts, Scrub, shrub & brushlands

Range Southwest, California, Northwest

Discussion The subspecies that uses sandy habitats in southern California (P. l. pacificus) was once thought extinct, but a few endangered populations were rediscovered in 1993. Uses open grassland, shrub-steppe, and coastal sage habitats, in addition to very arid desert areas.