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The Common House Mouse

House Mouse
House Mouse

Next to humans, the common house mouse is the most prevalent mammalian species in the world. Native to Asia, these rodents have spread throughout the world. They are most commonly seen living within or near human habitations.

The common house mouse weighs between 12 to 22 grams and may grow up 10 centimeters in length. They are black to light brown or gray in color, with short hair and lighter bellies. Gender may be difficult to determine in young mice, although age tends to accentuate sexual differences.

These rodents will feed on any available food source and may resort to consuming their own feces in the absence of other sustenance. Mice can chew through and cause considerable damage to plastic, paper, wood and clothing. They are also potential carriers of disease.

Beyond their role as pests, house mice are helpful scientific subjects. Their physiology is similar enough to that of the human that they are used in important medical research.

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