Animal #37 — Meadow Jumping Mouse

zapus hudsonius

Friday, August 6, 1999 — 8:15 am

Moraine Hills State Park, Illinois

I was walking the trail around the marsh at McHenry Dam. As I was entering the grassy area by the half-way point, I saw a miniature kangaroo. That’s just what it looked like. It was a very small, pale buff-colored rodent with a long tail. It hopped on its hind legs across the path, only touching the ground every 12 inches or so. When it reached the edge of the path, it gave a final leap and disappeared into the grass.

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