Zapus trinotatus Rhoads, 1895

Pacific jumping mouse

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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General Description

Description

Source and Additional Information
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Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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Pacific Jumping Mice are remarkably quick and unpredictable. They push off with both hind feet and land on both forefeet, apparently using the tail for balance--a Mouse who had lost its tail somersaulted trying to land. These Mice are found mostly in streamside or wet-meadow habitats, often within forests. Grass seeds comprise more than half their diet. The Mice cut grass stems, leaving neat piles of stalks, to get at the seeds. They also eat fungi, fruit, insects, and even mollusks and fish. Owls and other evening or nighttime predators, including foxes, coyotes, snakes, weasels, skunks, and bobcats, hunt them.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
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References
  • Rhoads, S.N., 1894.  A new jumping mouse from the pacific slope, p. 421.  Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 46:421-422.
"Zapus trinotatus Rhoads, 1895". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328467". Accessed 21 Mar 2010.