California Mouse

Peromyscus californicus

The California mouse is nocturnal, with a slight activity peak just before dawn. A poor burrower, Peromyscus californicus readily uses woodrat houses for dens when they are found together. They build globular nests out of grasses or sticks, lined with fine grass. California mice are excellent climbers and are often found in trees and shrubs.

Family:

Cricetidae (New World rats and mice, voles, hamsters, and relatives)

Description:

This mouse is the largest species in its genus. Its total length is between 8-11 inches, with tail length ranging from approximately 4 ½- 6 inches. It is distinctly bicolored. Adults have a yellowish brown or gray mixed with black dorsal coloring, and a white underside and feet.

Habitat:

The California mouse habitat is generally restricted to dense chaparral and broad-sclerophyll woodland.

Range:

Peromyscus californicus is found from San Francisco Bay south and east along the coast ranges and in the eastern Sierra Nevada from Mariposa Co. south to Kern Co. in California, south to Bahia San Quintin on the Pacific coast of northwestern Baja California.

Diet:

This species is a herbivore and specializes on the fruits, seeds and flowers of shrubs.

Breeding:

Unlike most mice the California mouse is thought to be truly monogamous, and once mated will stay paired for life. Mating may occur year round, but mainly from March to September. They have on average 3-4 litters a year. Gestation is 30 to 33 days and average litter size is 2 (from 1 to 3), with a slight increase in litter size with the age of the female.

mtm 2-6-21 ok