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Question
My neighbors brought me a baby mouse their cats had caught. Unsure whether it was injured I put it in a box with kleenex to wait and see if the unfortunate mouse would survive. She did. Now what? She is very young, seemingly healthy... probably has mites. Outside with all the cats is not ideal; could she even find her nest again if I got her within the vicinity we think she came from? Can I keep her and possibly adopt a friend or two for her to live with? I love rodents, I have four rats. The mouse is kept in another room from them. I have no problem with keeping her, I just want her to have as happy of an existence as I can provide. Help, I am a complete softy regardless of the being, just not always sure how to make things right.
Thank You,
Jenn
Dear Jenn,
How calm is the little mouse? If she's very wild and nervous, it would be best to feed and raise her until she's large and fast enough to escape predators better than she can now, and then release her in an area where there are other mice of her species, and plenty of cover.
If she's very calm and happy, you could consider keeping her as a pet, but she should probably be examined by a good exotics vet and treated for any parasites she might be harboring. I'm not sure if a baby wild mouse would harbor Hanta virus, or whether that's something that's acquired later. Not all wild rodents carry it, of course. But it's something to consider.
You are very kind to care for this little soul, and she's lucky to have found a guardian angel. But whether she stays with you or is set free sort of depends on how calm or wild she is. You might have to wait a while to make that judgment. Until then, try not to imprint her too much, so she will have a better chance of reintroduction to the wild when she's old enough.
Hope that helps.
Dana
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Answers by Expert:
Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:
If you have found an "orphaned" or injured wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise a baby yourself, or rehabilitate an injured anmal. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.
I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.
I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.
COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.
FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".
These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").
The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.
Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.
Organizations
House Rabbit Society
Publications
Exotic DVM journal
Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.
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