The large hind limbs, bright colors, and long, tapered, white-tipped tail identify the woodland jumping mouse. The 115-160 mm (4.5-6.3 in), sparsely-haired tail, grayish brown above, and white below ...

That common name isn’t for nothing: New Mexico meadow jumping mice are amazing jumpers. Pushing off their big hind feet while keeping balance with their long tails, they can leap as far as 3 feet.

The areas are critical habitat for the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse and Mexican spotted owl. “The jumping mouse and these spotted owls will only survive if the meadows and streams they ...