Echolocation is the ability in animals to emit high frequency squeals and use the echo to determine the range & distance, & in some cases even the shape, of nearby objects. Bats & marine mammals like whales can do this. The mechanical equivalent is sonar.
Do mice have echolocation abilities? After all, they are primarily nocturnal, seem very adept at avoiding predators, emit high pitched squeaks, and have enlarged ears.
Do mice have a (possibly limited) form of echolocation?
I can find no support for echolocation in mice. This quote, from http://www.szgdocent.org/ff/f-bateco.htm , pretty much sums up what I have found:
Nocturnal mice have proportionally large eyes and, within the eye itself, a proportionally large pupil. This allows their eyes to gather and use what little light is available. Blind mice would not be able to navigate nearly so well, regardless of what the nursery song would have you believe.
Yes, but not constantly, as a bat or a dolphin emits clicks or squeaks. Hence the phrase “Quiet as a mouse”. Mice generally squeak when in danger or distress.
All the better to hear you with, my little pretty! As their best defense is to avoid anything that may be prey, mice have a keen sense of hearing. Proportionally large ears gather more sound waves.
Consider this: if mice could echolocate, snakes would have a much tougher time catching them.