White-footed mice are small rodents belonging to the family Cricetidae and the genus Peromyscus. They are native to North America and are characterized by their compact size, elongated bodies, and distinctive white feet that give them their name.
With an average length of 3.5 to 4 inches (8.9 to 10.2 cm), excluding their tails, white-footed mice are relatively small. Their fur color ranges from light brown to reddish-brown on the upper body, while their underparts are off-white or creamy in color. However, it is their white feet that distinguish them from other similar species.
White-footed mice are primarily nocturnal creatures, exhibiting peak activity during the night. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in various habitats including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. Additionally, they are excellent climbers and are often found in trees, shrubs, or vines.
They are omnivorous creatures, feeding on a variety of foods like seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and fungi. Due to their adaptability and ability to store food, they are able to survive in diverse environments with fluctuating food resources.
These mice play important roles in ecosystems as seed dispersers and as prey for various predators such as owls, hawks, snakes, and mammals. They are also notorious vectors for diseases such as hantavirus, Lyme disease, and babesiosis, making them an important focus of ecological and medical research.
