Species MammalsWestern Jumping Mouse

Western Jumping Mouse

Zapus princeps

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Western Jumping Mouse (Zapus princeps)

The Western Jumping Mouse inhabits moist riparian areas in mountain forests of western North America and hibernates for up to nine months each year—one of the longest hibernation periods of any North American mammal. It has a bright yellow-orange stripe along its sides, contrasting with a dark dorsal stripe and white underside. Its strong hind legs allow impressive leaps through dense streamside vegetation.

Habitat
Riparian shrubs, mountain meadows, and streamsides
Diet
Seeds, berries, fungi, and insects
How common
Uncommon

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