Striped field mouse

A striped field mouse can be identified by its reddish-brown fur and the prominent, slender black dorsal stripe. This is known as an eel stripe or eel back. It favours damp habitats, such as woodland edges, copses, damp meadows and reed beds, but can also be found in parks and gardens. Striped field mice feed on seeds, fruit and invertebrates. They breed between April and September and, after a gestation period of 18 - 21 days, give birth to a litter of six to nine young. The young reach sexual maturity after eight weeks. Striped field mice are carriers of Hantaviruses along with a number of other species.