Wood Mouse
Apodemus sylvaticus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Muridae
About
The wood mouse is a murid rodent native to Europe and northwestern Africa. It is closely related to the yellow-necked mouse but differs in that it has no band of yellow fur around the neck, has slightly smaller ears, and is usually slightly smaller overall: around 90 mm (3.54 in) in length and 23 g in weight. It is found across most of Europe and is a very common and widespread species, is commensal with people and is sometimes considered a pest. Other common names are long-tailed field mouse, field mouse, common field mouse, and European wood mouse. This species is a known potential carrier of the Dobrava sequence of hantavirus which affects humans and may pose serious risks to human health.
Fun Fact
Wood mice leave trails of small sticks and leaves as navigation markers, creating a system of signposts that helps them relocate their scattered food caches in the dark.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Woodlands and fields
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
1-2 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Wildfire