Black-eared Deermouse

The black-eared mouse (Peromyscus melanotis), or black-eared deer mouse, is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is a species of the genus Peromyscus, a closely related group of New World mice often called "deermice". It is native to western North America. == Description == The black-eared mouse is one of the smaller species in the genus Peromyscus, measuring 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in) in total length, including a relatively short tail, 5 to 7 cm (2.0 to 2.8 in) long. The fur is tawny to yellow-brown over most of the body, fading from a darker shade on the back to paler on the flanks. The under parts and feet are pure white, with a clear dividing line from the tawny fur elsewhere. A narrow ring of dusky fur is found around the eyes, while the ears are dark brown to black, with white edges. The tail is furred, and has the same color as the body, being tawny above and white below. In at least some localities, the mouse has a slightly paler coat in winter than in summer. The mouse is virtually identical in appearance to the closely related species Peromyscus sonoriensis (formerly…