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Deer mice in North Dakota

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Deer mice in North Dakota


What is the most abundant mammal in North America? I saw that question used in trivia recently. The answer was deer mouse. I am not so sure about that, in part because deer mouse is used to refer to a genus of mice as well one of the species of the genus. Either way, deer mice are certainly one of the contenders.

There are over a dozen species of small mammals that the casual observer may refer to as mice in North Dakota. That would include the house mouse, deer mice, voles, pocket mice, jumping mice, and shrews. The term deer mouse is used to refer to mice in the genus Peromyscus. Most are gray or reddish brown with a white underbelly, white feet, and comparatively large ears. And they are often characterized as having large “bulging” eyes. Robert Seabloom in his Mammals of North Dakota lists two species of Peromyscus in North Dakota.

What is commonly known as a deer mouse (P. maniculatus), a species of the grasslands, is common and abundant throughout the state. They are around 6 inches long, including a tail about 2.5 inches long. Although juveniles may be gray, adults are usually a brown to grayish-brown. Seabloom also notes that they have “distinctly” bicolored tails which helps in identification.

The deer mouse feeds largely on seeds and insects. Home range for these mice is around 2-3 acres. They are prey to several animals including snakes, hawks, owls, and fox. They are also a major carrier of the hantavirus.

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The white-footed deer mouse (P. leucopus) is a species of wooded areas, and as such is less common. It is similar in appearance to the deer mouse but is perhaps a bit larger. Seabloom also notes that their “indistinctly bicolored tail” is a key characteristic in identification.

Like the deer mouse, the white-footed deer mouse feeds largely on seeds and insects. Acorns can also be an important food item. Their home range is less than that of a deer mouse, averaging around one acre

If you are interested in more information on the biology, ecology, and identification of these and other North Dakota mammals, I suggest you check out Mammals of North Dakota by UND professor emeritus Robert Seabloom. First published in 2011, it is now in its second edition.





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North Dakota

North Dakota Democratic-NPL announces 2026 state convention plans

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North Dakota Democratic-NPL announces 2026 state convention plans


BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — The North Dakota Democratic-NPL will hold its state convention in Bismarck on Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, 2026.

They say all official business will take place on Saturday, March 7.

Delegates to the state convention are elected at their legislative district conventions.

If a district does not fill its slate, it may allow the district chair to appoint the remaining delegates.

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“At a moment when division threatens progress, we come together – across generations, communities, and regions – to reaffirm that democracy works best when everyone has a voice and a stake in what comes next,” North Dakota Democratic-NPL Secretary and Convention Planning Chair Kari Breker said. “This convention is about leadership rooted in hope, action over cynicism, and unity as the engine of lasting change. Together, we are not just defending democracy – we are building a future worthy of the next generation.”

The North Dakota GOP State Convention is scheduled to be held in Minot from March 26 through March 29 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.



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JRMC recognized as top recommended hospital in North Dakota

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JRMC recognized as top recommended hospital in North Dakota


JAMESTOWN — Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of North Dakota’s top recommended hospitals, an honor shared only by the Fargo VA Medical Center. This recognition is based on patients’ responses to the question: “Would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family?”

Inclusion on the top recommended hospitals list reflects a five-star rating for patient recommendations. Ratings are determined through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“This recognition by Becker’s reflects our continued focus on exceptional patient care, clear communication and strong partnerships between patients and care teams,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC chief nursing officer. “At JRMC, trust is built through listening, compassion and clinical excellence, and this honor reflects the dedication of our teams every day.”

JRMC’s inclusion on this list, along with other recent national awards and recognitions — such as its Pathways of Excellence designation and multiple top critical access hospital recognitions — further distinguish the medical center as a regional and statewide leader in care.

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To learn more about JRMC, visit

jrmcnd.com

or call (701) 952-1050.





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Make-A-Wish North Dakota unveils newly remodeled Wishing Place in Fargo

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Make-A-Wish North Dakota unveils newly remodeled Wishing Place in Fargo


FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Make-A-Wish North Dakota celebrated the grand reopening of its newly remodeled Wishing Place on Monday evening, January 12, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, donors, and volunteers.

The Fargo facility underwent renovations last summer to create a more child-focused, community-centric experience for families visiting the nonprofit organization.

“I want the Wishing Place to serve as a beacon of light for families and be something that they are proud of, and the community is proud of,” said Billi Jo Zielinski, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Dakota. “So, this is a place not only for kids to come in, explore, and dream and wish, but also for our volunteers to be trained and to be inspired.”

Wish alumna Emily Gard, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2003 and is now two years cancer-free, spoke at the event about the significance of the remodeled space.

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“This remodeled space is where those life-changing moments take shape,” Gard said. “Every wish that will eventually be honored on the wall of stars represents a story that has been written and is waiting to unfold for a child.”

The invitation-only event was hosted for members of the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Make-A-Wish North Dakota donors, and volunteers.

Since 1985, Make-A-Wish North Dakota has granted more than 1,150 wishes for children across the state. The organization’s vision is to grant every eligible child’s wish.

According to Make-A-Wish, wishes provide joy in the present, hope for the future, and the transformation that comes from daring to dream beyond the confines of a critical illness.

Families interested in learning more about eligibility for a wish, referring a child, or volunteering can visit wish.org/northdakota.

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