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| Distribution |
In NC, it is limited to the mountains; essentially only from 2,800 feet and higher.
The northeastern portion of North America only, from Labrador and Manitoba, south into the United States mostly down the Appalachians, to northern GA. |
| Abundance |
Locally common at middle and high elevations, but uncommon in many areas, and certainly very scarce in the lower elevations. Unlike with the similar Meadow Jumping Mouse, NC has numerous recent records. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
As with the Meadow Jumping Mouse, these two species are the only mice in the mid-Atlantic states known to hibernate. |
| Habitat |
Cool and somewhat moist forests, preferably where rocky. Favored are spruce-fir and spruce-hardwoods, but it also occurs lower where there is much rhododendron and water. It can occur in damp thickets and rocky seeps, but it seldom occurs in sunny and open wetlands where the Meadow Jumping Mouse is found.
See also Habitat Account for General Montane Mesic Forests |
| Behavior |
Nocturnal, though can be active around dawn and dusk. They seldom make runways or tunnels, but they can climb somewhat readily. |
| Comments |
With the near loss of Canada hemlock in our mountains, it is possible that the species is declining, at least at middle elevations. As with the Meadow Jumping Mouse, the species is seldom seen by most people except by those who make special efforts, such as with pitfall trapping. This is one of the more colorful of the rodents, as it has a distinctive dark band of fur down the back, contrasting with golden-colored sides, and white underparts. |
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S4 |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
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| subspecies |
Napaeozapus insignis roanensis |
| other_comName |
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| synonym |
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