Wildlife Spotlight: Florida Mouse

Anne Malatesta, Florida Division of Forestry

True to its name, the Florida mouse is found nowhere else in the United States. Considered fairly large, as mice go, this Florida rodent is seven to eight inches long from nose to tip of tail. It also has relatively large ears and hind feet, compared to other species of mice. Fur on the upper side of the body is tawny or brownish, with buff-colored (golden brown) patches on the shoulders and lower sides, while the feet and underside of the body and tail are white.

The Florida mouse is found in sandy upland habitats such as scrub or sandhill. It occurs in peninsular Florida from the north central portion of the state, south to Highlands and Sarasota counties and along the Atlantic coast from St. Johns to Palm Beach counties. The species has a spotty distribution, which results from its need for specific upland habitats, much of which have been lost to development. Population size can vary considerably, but typically is larger on larger sites with higher quality habitat.

Because the Florida mouse is usually found in association with gopher tortoises and their burrows, it is sometimes called the gopher mouse. Within the main gopher tortoise tunnel, the Florida mouse locates a spot where it digs a small tunnel and nest chamber. This species is active at night. Acorns are a favorite food, but seeds, berries, mushrooms, and insects also are eaten. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists the Florida mouse as a Species of Special Concern. Regular prescribed burning in fire dependent ecosystems benefit both the Florida mouse and the hundreds of other animals that depend on the gopher tortoise burrow for food and refuge.