The Meadow Jumping Mouse has exceptionally long hind feet and a tail nearly twice its body length, allowing it to leap distances of over three feet when alarmed. It is one of North America's deepest hibernators, entering torpor from October through April or May and losing up to half its body weight during this period. In late summer it rapidly doubles its weight on seeds and berries before dormancy.
Best time to see a Meadow Jumping Mouse
The best time to see a Meadow Jumping Mouse is May–August, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 706 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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