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| Their extremely long thin tails and large long hind legs set Jumping Mice apart from other Mice. Their tails account for over half of the length of their bodies. When startled, the Mice flee by taking large one metre hops in a zigzagging motion, followed by smaller hops, and then remaining motionless to elude capture. Their large feet provide power, while the large tail acts as a balance. Jumping Mice feed on seeds of grasses, green plants, caterpillars, beetles, and other insects, depending on the season. Unlike other mice, Jumping Mice also hibernate during the winter months. They build up a fat reserve two weeks prior to entering hibernation in late October. They curl up in hibernation nests of shredded grass, created in protective areas, and remain there for the next seven months. During this time the heartbeat, breathing rate, and body temperature remain at a minimum. Males emerge first in late April or early May, followed by the female two weeks later. Mating will then take place. The preferred habitat of Meadow Jumping Mice is open and grassy areas that are not too dry, such as beaver meadows, marshes, and stream banks. The Woodland Jumping Mouse, however, prefers tangled logs and vegetation near forest streams. Births peak in the months of June, July, and August. Most females will produce two litters of about 5 or 6 young per year. Both species of Mice have a long life, sometimes reaching the age of three years. |
(Family Dipodidae)
Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius)
Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus insignis)
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