Tag Archives: Prairie deer mouse

Prairie deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii)

prairie deer mouse

Photo by Kirk Nelson

North American deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is common and widespread in North America. It is probably the animal most responsible for the transfer of the deadly hantavirus to humans in the central and southwestern United States. The species is recognized by its small size and its sharply bicolored tail.

There are 67 currently recognized subspecies of Peromyscus maniculatus in North America. Two of these occur in Minnesota.

Prairie deer mouse (P. m. bairdii) is found on grasslands and agricultural fields. This subspecies is recognized by its smaller size, its shorter tail, and its preference for grassland habitats.

http://minnesotaseasons.com/Mammals/prairie_deer_mouse.html