5 Types Of Mice In Ontario (2024)

Mice are one of the most common mammals in Ontario, and they come in a variety of types. In this article, we will explore the different types of mice that can be found in the province and their characteristics.

There are five types of mice in Ontario and they include the deer mouse, the meadow vole mouse, white-footed mouse, Southern Red-backed vole, and woodland jumping mouse. The deer mouse is larger and has a grey coat and white feet and ears while the house mouse is the smallest of the species and has a grey coat with white feet and ears.

5 Types Of Mice In Ontario

1. Deer Mouse

The deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is one of the five types of mice in Ontario, Canada. It is a common and widespread species of mouse found in North America, occupying a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands to urban and suburban areas. The deer mouse is a small rodent, measuring up to 12cm in length and weighing up to 36g. Its fur is typically grayish-brown with white on its underside, and its tail is the same length as its body.

The deer mouse is an omnivore, feeding on seeds, insects, and other small animals. Its diet varies with the season and its habitat, but it is generally thought to be an opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of whatever food sources are available.

The deer mouse is a nocturnal species, spending most of its time in its nest during the day. Its nest is typically a shallow depression lined with grass, leaves, and other soft materials. The species is solitary, and an individual’s home range may range from 0.1 to 6 hectares (0.2 to 15 acres).

Like other mice, the deer mouse is a prolific breeder, producing up to 12 litters per year. Each litter typically consists of 5-7 young, which are born blind and hairless. The young are weaned after about three weeks, and are able to reproduce after just a few months.

The deer mouse is an important species for a number of reasons. It is an important prey species for many predators, such as hawks, owls, and snakes. It is also an important indicator species for healthy ecosystems, as its presence can indicate a healthy balance of predators and prey. Additionally, the species is an important vector for a number of diseases, including Hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with the mouse’s droppings.

2. Meadow Vole

The Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found in Canada and the United States, as well as parts of Europe. In Ontario, it is commonly found in open meadows, fields, and grasslands.

Meadow voles are typically small, measuring 4 to 8 inches in length, and weighing around 1 to 2 ounces. They have a light brown to dark gray fur, with a white belly. They have small eyes and ears, and a short, furry tail.

Meadow voles feed mainly on roots, grasses, seeds, and insects. They are active year-round, and can often be seen foraging in open fields and meadows. They often build nests in grasses and other vegetation.

Meadow voles are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food for predators such as hawks, owls, and foxes. They are also an important prey species for other small mammals such as weasels and mink.

Meadow voles can be a nuisance in agricultural and suburban areas, as they can damage crops and gardens, and create burrows in lawns. If they become too numerous, they can cause significant damage to crops and gardens, and may lead to the destruction of habitat for other wildlife species.

Meadow voles are common in Ontario, and can be found in most rural and suburban areas. They are an important part of the ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining healthy grassland habitats.

3. White-footed Mouse

The White-footed Mouse is a common type of mouse found in Ontario, Canada. It is a small, grayish mouse with white feet and a white belly. It is also known as the Meadow Mouse, Meadow Jumping Mouse, or Woodland Jumping Mouse.

White-footed Mice are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day. They feed mainly on seeds, fruits, and insects. They construct underground burrows and use tunnels to travel from one area to another. During the winter, they hibernate in their burrows.

White-footed Mice are native to Ontario and can be found in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and meadows to suburban gardens. They have also been known to enter homes and other buildings in search of food and shelter.

White-footed Mice are an important part of the Ontario ecosystem. They are a food source for larger predators, such as owls, hawks, and foxes. They also help to disperse the seeds of many plant species, which helps to maintain a healthy and diverse plant community.

White-footed Mice are not considered to be pests, but they can become a nuisance if they enter homes and other buildings in search of food and shelter.

4. Southern Red-backed Vole

The Southern Red-backed Vole (Myodes gapperi) is a species of small mammal found in many parts of Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Cricetidae family of rodents, which also includes voles, lemmings, and muskrats.

Southern Red-backed Voles are typically found in moist, grassy areas such as meadows, marshes, and woodlands. They have a reddish-brown back and a white underside, and tend to be between 4 and 6 inches in length.

Southern Red-backed Voles are an important part of the food chain in Ontario, as they provide a source of food for predators such as hawks, owls, and foxes. They are also important for soil aeration, as their burrowing helps to keep the soil healthy and free of excess moisture.

Southern Red-backed Voles are mostly active during the night, and their diet consists of plant material such as grasses, leaves, and roots. They also eat insects, as well as nuts and other seeds. They are solitary animals, and tend to live in underground burrows, which they create using their sharp incisor teeth.

Southern Red-backed Voles are an important species in Ontario, and are considered a species of special concern due to their declining population. As such, it is important to protect their habitats and ensure that their populations remain healthy.

5. Woodland Jumping Mouse

The Woodland Jumping Mouse is one of the five types of mice in Ontario, Canada. It is most commonly found in moist woodlands, but can also inhabit grasslands, open meadows, and wetlands. The mouse has a light brown fur on its upper body, with a white underside and a white-tipped tail. Its large hind feet and long tail help it to jump up to 30 cm (12 inches) in a single bound.

The Woodland Jumping Mouse is an important species in the food web of Ontario. Its diet consists mainly of seeds and insects, but it also consumes fungi, small invertebrates, and fruits. The mouse is an important food source for a variety of predators, including owls, foxes, and other small mammals.

The Woodland Jumping Mouse is an active species. It is mostly nocturnal, but can be seen during the day in search of food. During the winter, the mouse hibernates in underground burrows or in tree cavities.

The Woodland Jumping Mouse is an important species in Ontario and is listed as a species of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. It is believed to be declining in numbers due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as predation. To help conserve this species, land managers should focus on maintaining and restoring suitable habitat, such as moist woodlands and wetlands.

Related:

• 5 Types Of Fish In Ontario
• 5 Types Of Eagles In Ontario
• 5 Types Of Ducks In Ontario

Conclusion

Mice are an important part of the Ontario ecosystem and can be found in many different habitats. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and each type has its own unique characteristics. By understanding the five types of mice in Ontario, we are better able to appreciate the diversity of wildlife that inhabits our province.