Arboreal Nests of the Golden Mouse in Eastern Texas

Arboreal nests constructed and inhabited by golden mice were located in eastern Texas. Nests were in umbrella-like vine entanglements in various species of deciduous trees. Most nests studied were located from 6 to 15 feet high in trees ranging from 20 to 30 feet high. Nests taken apart had two distinct layers. The outer layer was mostly greenbrier, the inner layer primarily finely shredded bark of honeysuckle. Weight of nests varied more than length, width and height. Golden mice build arboreal nests and seemingly conduct most of their activities in lianas and trees in winter and early spring in eastern Texas, possibly to avoid the detrimental effects to the population of flooding. A pregnant female, a female with suckling young and an adult male were found occupying nests. These mice seemed extremely reluctant to leave their nests.