Long distance homing by the Deer Mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus

Abstract

We studied homing ability by displaced Deer Mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, in the Kananaskis Valley, Alberta, over three years. Fifty percent of adult Deer Mice returned home from straight line distances > 1500 m (range 650-1980 m). These distances are 9 to 26 times the home range diameter for Deer Mice in the area. Furthermore, homing mice crossed a natural obstacle (permanent river) and optimal habitat patches in order to reach their home sites. As these mice were unlikely to be familiar with habitats at these distances, our data appear to support the navigational hypothesis, in which the mice follow a direct route home without using habitat familiarity for orientation. Mice with previous homing experience had a higher homing success rate (100%) than inexperienced mice (60%). In addition, experienced mice returned home significantly faster than inexperienced mice. The higher homing success and significantly shorter return time of experienced mice may be due to increased familiarity with habitat or selection for better long distance travellers.