ExploreMammals

Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse

Zapus hudsonius

The Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse is a small, lively creature that loves to hop around in tall grass. With its long tail and big back legs, it can jump really far to escape from danger!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse has a yellowish-brown to dark brown back, often with a darker stripe down its spine. Its sides are yellowish-orange, sharply contrasting with its pure white belly. It also boasts a remarkably long tail, often 1.5 times its body length, and large hind feet.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyDipodidaeGenusZapus
Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse
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Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its heart rate can drop to just 5 beats per minute during hibernation!

Jumping mice create cozy spherical nests in dense grass for sleeping.

These tiny mammals spend most of their lives living alone.

They use strong front teeth to gnaw on tough seeds and fungi.

Special abilities

Ability

Hyper-Jump Escape

Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse can leap up to 3 meters (10 feet) to escape danger, thanks to its powerful hind legs.

Ability

Acrobatic Balance

Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse has a very long tail that acts like a counterweight, helping it balance during incredible jumps.

Ability

Deep Sleeper

Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse can hibernate for up to six months, slowing its body functions drastically to survive winter.

Ability

Sensitive Ears

Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse has large, sensitive ears that help it detect faint sounds of predators or insect prey.

Measurements & details

Length
7.5-10.5 cm
Weight
0.013-0.028 kg
Lifespan
1-3 years
Top Speed
12 km/h
Litter Size
2-9
Gestation
18-21 days

Diet & Feeding

This tiny omnivore eats a varied diet of seeds, fungi, fruits, and small insects.

Primary Foods

  • Seeds
  • Berries
  • Fungi
  • Beetles
  • Caterpillars

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

Hunts small rodents like jumping mice at night.

eaten by

Least Weasel

Mustela nivalis

An agile predator that hunts small mammals in their burrows.

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Opportunistically preys on small mammals and amphibians.

eats

Pennsylvania Sedge

Carex pensylvanica

Consumes seeds from various sedge species.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a jumping mouse, watch quietly from a distance and don't try to catch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse?

7.5-10.5 cm

How much does Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse weigh?

0.013-0.028 kg

How long does Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse live?

1-3 years

How fast can Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse move?

12 km/h

What does Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse eat?

This tiny omnivore eats a varied diet of seeds, fungi, fruits, and small insects.

Where is Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse usually found?

Grasslands

How does Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Northern Meadow Jumping Mouse usually have?

2-9

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