Description:
Large ears and protruding eyes, together with dark sandy brown upper parts and white under belly, with a long tail.
Distribution:
The Wood Mouse is found throughout the British Isles.
Habitat:
As the name implies the Wood Mouse is likely to be found in woods, but is also adept at thriving on moorlands, in gardens and buildings - in fact, almost anywhere! They make their homes in tunnels under ground which they also use for storing food. These tunnels may be used by several generations of Wood mice.
Reproduction:
The Wood Mouse has only 1 or 2 litters per year, between March and October and they give birth to between 4 and 7 pups. They sometimes nest in trees and properties, but also tunnel beneath the ground to build nests, which are sometimes shared with other Wood mice, out of the breeding season.
Predators:
Domestic cats, foxes and weazels prey on the Wood Mouse, as do owls. The Tawny Owl may not breed if Wood Mouse numbers are low, therefore restricting the owl's diet.
Status:
Numbers are lower at the end of the Winter, but once breeding begins numbers increase considerably.
Did You Know?:
The Wood Mouse is usually nocturnal and has a good night vision and an acute sense of smell. Of all British mammals, the Wood Mouse is probably the most abundant and widespread.
