Mice in Colorado Springs - Ask Extension
I would like to know the genus of what is referred to as the common "field mouse" in the open fields in the northwest part of the city. Grassy field...
Knowledgebase
Mice in Colorado Springs #477643
Asked August 12, 2018, 5:46 PM EDT
I would like to know the genus of what is referred to as the common "field mouse" in the open fields in the northwest part of the city. Grassy fields are common in these hills and, of course, are full of mice. I am interested to know whether they are a genus that perhaps carries disease, such as hantavirus.
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Most field mice in the US are of the genus Microtus. Without positive identification I cannot say which mouse species you have. The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife may be able to tell you which species is most prevalent in the area you are interested in. Attached is the URL to a fact sheet on controlling mice that includes information on the most common mouse species of Colorado.
The rodent hosts of HPS are generally not associated with urban environments, although some species, including the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), and white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), will enter human habitation in rural and suburban areas.
I am also including the URL to information on mouse ecology and Hanta
virus from the Center for Disease Control. This may help answer your questions on risk for Hanta virus.
Good luck,
Marvin
