Caught Red Handed: Cannibalism in Jumping Mice?

Brittany L. Slabach^1,2,*, Thomas Bates¹, Maggie Denison², Ellie Jackson², John G.T. Anderson², and Bik Wheeler³

¹Department of Biology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212. ²College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME 04069. ³The National Park Service, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. *Corresponding authors.

Northeastern Naturalist, Volume 32, Issue 3 (2025): N51–N55

First published early online: 8 September 2025

Abstract
Zapus hudsonius (Meadow Jumping Mouse) is the most widely distributed species of the family Zapodidae in North America. While studies have shed light on different aspects of their ecology, jumping mice are cryptic, making field observations of behavior difficult. We report on 2 related field observations. First, we captured 2 Meadow Jumping Mice in the same trap; 1 was dead and in a state of decay, with bite marks present. Two days later, we captured a male jumping mouse with dried blood and muscle matter in his pelage. Based on evidence of the capture events and the state of the individuals, we hypothesize this is an observation of cannibalism in jumping mice. Our observations raise questions regarding foraging behavior and interactions between individuals.

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