Mice are fascinating creatures that elicit a range of emotions from people: some find them adorable, others are terrified, and a few simply cannot stand them. This article delves into the most intriguing facts about these small mammals.
- Tail as Long as the Body: A mouse’s tail is approximately the same length as its body.
- Global Habitat: Mice can be found everywhere in the world, from the hot south to the cold north.
- Walt Disney’s Fear: Ironically, Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, was actually terrified of mice.
- Diversity in Russia: There are 13 species of mice in the mouse family found in Russia.
- Body Temperature: A healthy mouse has a body temperature of 38-39 degrees Celsius.
- Varied Coat Colors: Mice come in a variety of fur colors including gray, black, ginger, white, reddish, brown, and even striped like chipmunks.
- Rapid Heartbeat: A mouse’s heart beats six times faster than a human’s.
- Tail Fur Length: The fur on the tail of a house mouse is about the length of a human fingernail.
- Teeth Count: Mice have 16 teeth, half the number of an adult human, but four of theirs are constantly growing.
- Paws and Claws: Mice have four clawed fingers on their front paws and five on their hind paws.
- Superior Hearing: Mice can hear high-pitched sounds five times better than humans.
- Scent of Danger: The scent of danger left by mice can last up to six hours.
- Monument in Novosibirsk: There’s a monument dedicated to these rodents in Novosibirsk.
- Color Perception: Mice can distinctly differentiate between red and yellow colors.
- Adapting to Human Schedule: House mice adjust their daily routines to match human activity.
- Food Storage Habits: Wild mice stockpile food, but domestic ones do not, as they rely on the constant food supply from humans.
- Running Speed: A common house mouse can run at speeds of 12-13 kilometers per hour.
- Archaeological Discovery: A bronze mouse was recently discovered by archaeologists.
- Impressive Jumping Ability: House mice can jump up to 50 centimeters high from a standing position.
- Burrow Construction: In the wild, mice build burrows up to 50 centimeters deep and one meter long.
- Autumn Migration: During autumn, mice travel 3-5 kilometers to find warm shelters like country houses, warehouses, and granaries.
- Consumption Rate: In five days, a mouse can eat an amount equal to its own weight.
- Water Needs: Each mouse requires about one teaspoon of water daily.
- Birth Weight: A newborn mouse weighs 20-30 times less than its mother.
- Eyesight Development: Mouse pups open their eyes after two weeks.
- Common Fear: About 80 out of every 100 people are somewhat afraid of mice.
- First Wild Friend: The little mouse was one of the first wild animals to befriend ancient humans.
- Long-Time Thieves: Mice have been considered thieves for thousands of years.
- Intelligence: Despite their size, mice are incredibly smart.
- Pioneering Breeders: The English were the first to breed mice.
- Training Potential: With proper care and training, mice can learn to perform amazing feats.
- Mouse Railway in Moscow: In Moscow’s famous animal theater, ‘Grandpa Durov’s Corner’, there’s even a real miniature mouse railway.
- Most Prepared: The yellow-throated mouse is known for being the most resourceful in storing food.
- Curiosity and Diet Variety: Mice are extremely curious and, like humans, enjoy a varied diet.
- Excellent Swimmers: Mice are great swimmers and can stay afloat for about two days.