Golden Mouse
Ochrotomys nuttalli
The Golden Mouse is a small nocturnal native rodent with warm golden fur that nests above ground in dense vines and shrubs.
Golden Mice favor wooded edges, hammocks, brushy fields, and vine tangles. Unlike many mice, they climb readily and often build spherical nests in shrubs or trees.
They are quiet members of Florida's food web, eating seeds and insects while serving as prey for owls, snakes, and small carnivores.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Agricultural Areas, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Florida Panhandle, North Florida, Central Florida
Diet:
Golden Mice eat seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and other small invertebrates.
Behavior:
They forage at night on the ground and in vegetation, use woven leaf nests, and sometimes share nests with other individuals during cool weather.
Night, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
After dark near dense native shrubs, vines, and woodland edges, though direct sightings are uncommon.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not considered imperiled statewide. Local populations depend on connected woodland and dense understory cover.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
Do not handle wild rodents. Seal food and building gaps, and use exclusion instead of poison when one enters a structure.
Benefits to Property:
It disperses seeds, consumes insects, and supports native predators.
Property Concerns:
Golden Mice rarely enter buildings but may use sheds or dense landscaping. Secure stored food and close small openings.
Fun Fact:
Its ball-shaped nest may be built several feet above the ground and lined with soft plant fibers.
Wildlife Laws:
No special statewide listing applies. Native wildlife should not be poisoned or relocated unlawfully, and pesticide labels must be followed.
Identification:
Look for soft golden-brown upperparts, a creamy white belly and feet, large dark eyes, rounded ears, and a long lightly furred tail. The warm color separates it from most other native mice.