deer mouse

noun

1. white-footed mouse.

deer mouse

noun

1. any of various mice of the genus Peromyscus, esp P. maniculatus, of North and Central America, having brownish fur with white underparts: family Cricetidae See also white-footed mouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of deer mouse¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of deer mouse¹

so named because of its agility

Example Sentences

The virus can spread through the urine, feces or saliva of wild rodents, including deer mice, which are common in many parts of California, according to the California Department of Public Health.

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In North America, deer mice are the most common carriers, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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The deer mouse is the most common vector of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the U.S., according to the CDC.

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Whereas the deer mouse is promiscuous -- even a single litter of pups can have four different fathers -- the oldfield mouse mates for life.

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Even though they are smaller, they prey upon native ground squirrels and deer mice with formidable teeth and claws that are larger than those on the mainland.

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