Zapus hudsonius preblei

Zapus hudsonius preblei. NatureServe Explorer Species Reports — NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

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The mouse is around nine inches long, 60% of which is the tail, and can jump in bounds of four feet when threatened. It usually travels slowly. It swims and climbs grass stems. It has long hind legs and a long, slender, scaly tail that it uses to communicate by making drumming noises. It also communicates using clucks and chirps.

The mice are born without hair (naked) and live nearly two years. They hibernate an estimated 7-8 months – from September or October through late May or early June – building themselves a soft vegetation nest, typically at a location with a northerly aspect. The Colorado breeding season is believed to be June through August, with two litters – in July and August – but there are records of three litters in a season. The average litter size is five, but can range from two to eight.