The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Deer-mouse

DEER-MOUSE (Peromyscus leucopus), the common white-footed mouse of North America, a rodent of the family Muridæ. The main color of its body is buff or fawn, growing dark along the back, the feet and under parts being snowy white. With full, bright eyes, high, rounded ears, long whiskers and tail, graceful and sprightly movement, it is a very attractive little animal. It has been found to have small cheek-pouches. Its length rarely exceeds four inches, its tail being nearly as long. In different sections of the country its markings and habits are varied, and in some it seeks a home in the human dwelling, as do other mice. Also the jumping mouse, Zapus hudsonius.