The Alabama beach mouse is federally listed as endangered because of habitat loss and other contributing factors.

The range of the Alabama beach mouse has been reduced, fragmented and isolated. Coastal development, navigation channels, intense use by vehicles and pedestrians, hurricanes and tropical storms have damaged or destroyed sand dunes and related habitats.  Predation by domestic cats and various animals plus competition from other rodents may have contributed to Alabama beach mouse declines and losses.

The Alabama beach mouse is one of several subspecies of old field mice restricted to coastal sand dune ecosystems. These small, nocturnal, light-colored mice burrow and excavate nests in dunes.  Their diet consists of various plant seeds and insects.  They prefer sand-covered slopes with patches of sea oats, beach grass, other grasses and herbs.  Unlike the house mouse, beach mice are not known to live in buildings or frequent garbage sites.

pFurther studies are needed to better understand the Alabama beach mouse and the sand dune ecosystem.  Such information is vital for protecting, conserving and recovering this unique animal and the habitat crucial to its survival.

• Install snow fences to aid in rebuilding dunes.
• Plant sea oats and other native coastal vegetation to restore dunes.
• Maintain habitat character and connections during construction and land development.
• Regulate beach access points and limit vehicle and pedestrian use.
• Control free-ranging and feral domestic cats in beach mouse habitat to reduce predation.
• Bag and properly dispose of garbage to prevent house mice or other rodent populations from becoming established and competing with beach mice.
• Avoid using poisons, snap traps, glue boards and similar techniques in beach mouse habitat.