Mouse

Mice are among the most well-known and adaptable rodents worldwide. Most “true” mice belong to the family Muridae, one of the most species-rich mammal families. They are typically characterized by their small body, pointed snout, large ears, and long tail. Mice live in very diverse habitats, for example, in forests, fields, hedges, gardens, or near human settlements. Many species are crepuscular or nocturnal and feed on seeds, fruits, plant parts, and small insects. Due to their high adaptability and rapid reproduction, mice play an important role in many ecosystems – among other things, as seed dispersers and as a food source for numerous predators.

Their diet consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, plant parts, insects, and other small animals. Their life expectancy is approximately 1 year.

Mouse for garden, nature trail & lessons

Profile: Mouse

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
    • Order: Rodents (Rodentia)
    • Family: mostly Old World mice (Muridae)
    • Known species: House mouse, Wood mouse, Yellow-necked mouse


    Mice are among the most species-rich groups of mammals worldwide. The Muridae family comprises several hundred species.

  • Physical characteristics

    • Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
    • Order: Rodents (Rodentia)
    • Family: mostly Old World Mice (Muridae)
    • Well-known species: House mouse, Wood mouse, Yellow-necked mouse


    Mice are among the most species-rich groups of mammals worldwide. The Muridae family comprises several hundred species.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Occurrence: almost worldwide
    • Habitats: forests, fields, meadows, hedges, gardens, buildings

      Mice are extremely adaptable and inhabit natural habitats as well as areas close to humans.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet:Seeds, nuts, fruits, plant parts, insects, and other small animals


    Many mice are omnivores, with plant-based food often making up the main part of their diet.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Lifestyle: mostly crepuscular or nocturnal
    • Offspring: several litters possible per year
    • Litter size: often 3–8 young, depending on the species


    Mice reproduce quickly and can colonize favorable habitats in a short time.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: in the wild often only about 1 year, in captivity sometimes 2–3 years or more
    • Special features: very good hearing, keen sense of smell, high learning ability


    Due to predators and environmental stress, mice in the wild usually live significantly shorter lives than in protected environments.

  • This is how big the mouse really is

    • Wood mouse: 10 × 5 cm
    • Wood mouse with spike: 10 × 5 cm
    • Hazel dormouse: 14 × 9 cm

    Dimensions of the life-size cut-outs (width × height), printed to a 1:1 scale.

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