This is a jumping mouse, genus Zapus. They have long rear legs, similar to a kangaroo rat, but they are in a different family entirely, Dipodidae. They are generally affiliated with stream side habitat and most species (if not all) hibernate during the winter. Interestingly, they are related to the jerboa, which lives in Africa. They are amazing critters!
Was it alive? I wondered if maybe a venemous snake had gotten to it.
marc Stowe
21-Jul-2007 23:19
I think i've found one of these as well. He's alive and very small. Mostly a reddish brown but same long rear legs and long tail. I still have no idea what he's called.