Yellow-necked Mouse
Apodemus flavicollis
Life History
Length: 9.5-12cm
Tail: 7.7-11.8cm
Weight: 14-45g
Diet: Tree seed, fruits, invertebrates
Habitat: Gardens, urban, coniferous woodland, deciduous woodland, mixed woodland
Average Lifespan: 3-4 months
When to see them: All year round, they are nocturnal, so at nighttime
UK population: Estimated around 1,500,000
UK conservation status: Least concern
About Yellow-necked Mice
Being the largest species of mouse in the UK, these mice look very similar to the well-known wood/field mouse. A distinguishing feature however, is their larger size and band of yellow-brown fur on the chest.
They are nocturnal and expert climbers. Moving between trees, bushes and branches to search high for tree seeds fruits and insects, this is an important trait. They are also great jumpers, as they jump between gaps in the undergrowth.
Yellow-necked mice build nests both above and below ground. Below ground, they are known to have complex burrows covering a wide area, with multiple entrances. Above ground, nests have been found in tree holes, dormice boxes and houses.
These mice are only found in South East England, parts of the Midland and southern and central Wales. The reason for their restricted location is yet to be fully explained.
Yellow-necked Mice - Their Threats
Pest control methods: Rodenticides and inhumane traps are one of the biggest threats mice face. Hundreds of thousands of rodents are killed, each year, by these painful methods that usually cause prolonged suffering.
Habitat loss: Yellow-necked mice face a loss of ancient woodland and habitat. As we lose habitats to urban development, yellow-necked mice, who rely heavily on woodland, suffer as a consequence.
Predation: Yellow-necked mice face predation from many animals including red foxes, stoats, owls and cats.
How You Can Help
There are a number of ways you can help yellow-necked mice:
- Stop using inhumane pest control methods. If pest control methods must be used, humane traps are available, however, these MUST BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY. Catching a mouse in a humane trap and leaving it there for a prolonged period is just as bad as an inhumane trap. Alternatively, avoid infestations altogether by storing food properly, blocking access to buildings, securing bins and being careful when feeding birds (spillages will attract rodents).
- Avoid destroying their home. Where mice are living away from people, avoid disturbing their nests unnecessarily. Dense vegetation, hedgerows and areas of natural cover provide shelter for many wild animals.
- Contact your local wildlife rescue if you believe you see an injured mouse.
- Remember: mice are wildlife too, and they are just trying to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is an injured animal in my garden, but it runs off when I approach it
Unfortunately, most wild animals will try to avoid capture no matter the injury it may be suffering with. The best way to help is to try and identify the injury; are they holding or dragging a leg? Can you see any obvious swelling or open wounds to any of the legs or body? If there are open wounds do they look deep, inflamed or infected?
Mobile animals are incredibly difficult to catch.
I think I've found an orphaned animal
If the animal doesn’t appear to be injured, is routinely calling and warm to the touch, monitor the animal for a short while from a distance, the parent may have dropped the animal whilst moving it, and may still be close by.
Due to the number of factors that need to be considered when finding an animal, the best port of call is to give us a call so we can triage the situation appropriately. Our emergency helpline is 01372 360404.
There is an animal entangled in wire, what should I do?
Do not attempt to free the animal yourself. Also, do not go too close to the animal, as it can cause it to become very stressed and possibly do itself more damage. Please, call us and we will send a rescuer.
I have found a dead animal by the roadside, what should I do?
Please, contact your local council, who will advise you on how to dispose of it; some councils may come and collect. Otherwise, you can put it into an overgrown area, and let nature take its course, which is the best option.
If the animal is a badger and found during the period January – April, please, check to see if there are teats, to see if it is a female, and to see if there are any signs that she may have young – heavy, drooping nipples or milk escaping (lactating). If you see any of these signs, there may well be young, nearby. Please, contact the Wildlife Aid Foundation, your local wildlife centre or your local badger group. In Surrey, this will be the West/East Surrey Badger Group, who will go out to search for signs of a sett and listen out for the call of young.