AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I can assist the public in responding to all kinds of wildlife related problems in the United States and Canada, including birds, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, beavers, opossums, voles, moles, chipmunks, woodchucks, pocket gophers, and more. My passion is wildlife damage identification, for if you don't know what animal is causing the problem, you can't begin to resolve it responsibly.
Experience I was a full time animal damage controller for over 5 years and a part-time animal damage controller for over 10. I have been a volunteer for AllExperts.com for over 5 years under the Pest Control Category, when they graciously created a new category that better suited my experience (I don't answer bug questions). I was a licensed animal controller in both Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska. I presently run the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, http://icwdm.org.
Organizations National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Community Integrated Pest Management group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Publications I have published two books (both revised), The Wildlife Removal Handbook rev. ed. and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook rev. ed. Additionally, I have written articles which have appeared in Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, Fur-Fish & Game, The Trapper, The Fur Taker, The Probe, and others. I have co-authored wildlife related publications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program and was responsible for revising the handbook designed for the Pest Controllers looking to obtain their category 14 license.
Education/Credentials I was a trapper education instructor for the state of Massachusetts, and have attended a variety of conferences and trainings.
Awards and Honors Certified Wildlife Control Operator
Expert: Stephen Vantassel Date: 3/13/2008 Subject: Cat brought in live mole or vole in house
Question Last night my cat brought in a mole or vole. It was alive and ran in the bedroom. The cat didn't get it and I haven't seen it. This morning the cat is doing nothing. Will this mole come out of hiding or die somewhere in the house. Anything I can do do bait it out?
Answer It all depends. Too many variables. If it is a mole, it won't last too long as it requires insects and worms. If a vole, it could feed on your vegetable matter.
You can try assuming it is a vole and set snap traps baited with peanutbutter and oats/sunflower seeds.
Details on trapping at http://icwdm.org
This would also be a good time to reconsider letting your cat roam outside. Every time the cat comes into contact with wildlife it can bring potential infections home to greet you. Not to mention that free-range cats have a horrific effect on wildlife. Contrary to popular mythology cats don't just kill stuff we don't like. They actually kill whatever they can, including song-birds. Details on our site too.
By the way, I own two cats. Both are kept safe indoors.
