Yellow-necked mouse
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Description
They are very similar in appearance to the Wood Mouse, who they are related to. They have sandy brown fur and white undersides and can be distinguished from the Wood Mouse by a yellow spot, which extends to form a collar. They are also slightly larger than the Wood Mouse. They are nocturnal and are excellent climbers, enabling it to forage for food amongst high branches.
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Distribution:
They are concentrated around the Welsh border, the South-East Counties and the Western Cotswolds.
Habitat:
They prefer deciduous woods but are also found in hedgerows, arable land and gardens.
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Reproduction:
The female produces up to three litters a year, having up to 9 in each litter between February and October. Their nests can be in tunnels, holes in trees or in houses.
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Predators:
Owls and other birds of prey, foxes and members of the weasel family.
Status:
Considered to be common.
Did You Know?:
That the Yellow-Necked Mouse tail will come off if caught by a predator, leaving the vertebrae exposed.