The California Mouse (Peromyscus californicus) is also called the Parasitic Mouse, referring to its tendency to make its home within the dens of wood rats. It is seen in the coastal woodlands, oak woodlands, and foothills of San Diego County.

It is preyed upon by owls and hawks as well as rattlesnakes and other small mammals. However, its nocturnal behavior allows it to escape many of these predators during the day.

It forms long-term, monogamous pair bonds with its mates and eats a variety of leafy material, insects, nuts, fruit, seeds, and flowers.

Learn more about the California Mouse at Animal Diversity Web at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.

PHOTO CREDIT: John Mitchell