Rodents are the most widespread and numerous mammals on earth. Because many rodents are small, they need less food and tinier shelters than big species need. As a rule, small creatures can find more places to live than big ones can. That's why the world has about 10 times as many species the size of a mouse as it has species the size of a deer. Squirrels, gophers, porcupines, and beavers are bigger rodents.
All rodents have two pairs of incisors with chisel-like edges for gnawing and cutting.
Here are some of Minnesota's native mice. Biologists classify these mice in the family Muridae. Unlike other mice, males and females form pair bonds and defend the nest and young ones against large intruders, even people. The parents care for the young and bring them food as they grow. They also eat some plants, wasps, flies, spiders, and small mammals.