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Peromyscus maniculatus
Some predator left this small dead mouse on the path. The top of the head is gone but you can still see the bottom teeth.
wooded area in a state park
Spotted on Nov 11, 2012
Submitted on Nov 19, 2012
3 Comments
Thanks for the ID GeoffreyPalmer!
A juvenile Peromyscus, but not sure what species. Likely Peromyscus maniculatus based on the bicoloration on the tail. And I agree with NatraList that it was likely a domestic cat, as they often devour only the head for the nutrient and fat-rich brain.
Your comment makes sense NatralList, it didn't seem right that a predator would have caught this mouse and then left most of it. This is a state park, it's possible that cats could come in from one of the surrounding properties.