Montana Field Guide

The house mouse, the most commonly found near humans through history, is an average 6 1/2 inches long and 8/10 of an ounce in Montana (Foresman 2001). The large ears are nearly bare. The short fur will be grayish brown above, with an underside that will be brown, gray, or even whitish, but never pure white, as in other mice of the same size (Ulrich 1986). Unlike most voles and mice, the tail is nearly uniform in color, top and bottom, and is scaly rather than haired.

Human habitation, agricultural developments. Grassy meadows, and marsh areas (Lampe et al. 1974) along railroads and fence rows (Dood 1980). May live in feral communities (Banfield 1974).

Social. Builds nests of grasses. Though mostly terrestrial, will make burrows. Will use microtine runways. (Banfield 1974).