The U.S. Forest Service has closed parts of a national forest in Northern New Mexico to protect a tiny, endangered mouse. The New Mexico jumping mouse also lives in the White Mountains of Arizona.
The closure affects four pockets in the Jemez Mountains. All activities are banned in the closed areas and violators could be slapped with fines up to $5,000.
It’s the second time this year the Forest Service has closed lands to prevent damage to the mouse’s habitat. The creature gained protection under the Endangered Species Act this summer.
Federal wildlife managers are expected to designate “critical habit” for the mouse this year. It’s likely to include portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in Arizona and New Mexico.