Florida Mouse
Podomys floridanus
The Florida Mouse is the state’s only endemic mammal species and a secretive resident of fire-maintained scrub and sandhill.
The Florida Mouse is the state’s only endemic mammal species and a secretive resident of fire-maintained scrub and sandhill.
A medium-sized native mouse with brownish-orange upperparts, white underparts, large dark eyes, large ears, and pale feet.
Nocturnal and ground-dwelling. It frequently shelters in gopher tortoise burrows and other underground retreats.
Avoid handling wild rodents. Seal buildings humanely and use targeted exclusion instead of outdoor poison.
Avoid disturbing occupied wildlife burrows or collecting native animals. Land-management and trapping activities should follow current FWC rules.
Habitat:
Pine Flatwoods and Sandhills, Scrub and Dry Prairie, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
North Florida, Central Florida
Diet:
Seeds, acorns, fungi, insects, and other small food items found in dry upland habitat.
Behavior:
Nocturnal and ground-dwelling. It frequently shelters in gopher tortoise burrows and other underground retreats.
Nighttime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Rarely seen; signs are most likely near sandy burrows after dark
Florida Native Status:
Florida Endemic
Conservation Status:
Near Threatened
Safety Level:
Safe
Safety Information:
Avoid handling wild rodents. Seal buildings humanely and use targeted exclusion instead of outdoor poison.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes seeds and insects and forms part of the native food web in healthy upland habitat.
Property Concerns:
Habitat loss, fire suppression, outdoor cats, and broad use of rodenticides threaten this uncommon native mouse.
Fun Fact:
It often shares the extensive burrow systems created by Gopher Tortoises.
Wildlife Laws:
Avoid disturbing occupied wildlife burrows or collecting native animals. Land-management and trapping activities should follow current FWC rules.
Identification:
A medium-sized native mouse with brownish-orange upperparts, white underparts, large dark eyes, large ears, and pale feet.