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
Question QUESTION: Hello,
I have two baby mice and I'm trying to figure out what
to do with them. This morning, I was taking a walk and
a cat came up to me with a mouse in her mouth. She
dropped the mouse to come say hello to me, and when I
took a closer look at the mouse I realized that two
babies were attached to the mouse, nursing. I took all
three home with me and the mother was definately dead
and eventually the babies unlatched and started moving
around. Their eyes are still closed, but they have
fur. Their poop is green, which makes me wonder if
they had started eating solids? I've tried giving them
milk on Q-tips, and it seemed to work somewhat this
morning, but they don't seem to be swallowing it very
well anymore.
ANSWER: Yes free-ranging house cats are an environmental and ecological menace. I would strongly encourage you to help protect the environment and keep your cat indoors. Free-roaming cats destroy so many animals. Details can be found in a wisconsin study and other research findings about the environmental effects of free-ranging cats.
Now to your immediate problem. I hope you have been wearing proper personal protection. You don't know what those mice may be carrying. I would suggest you keep these animals away from family members and pets. And immediately work to find a wildlife rehabilitator. It will be hard to find one. Otherwise, without someone trained to help the animals they are doomed and the caretaker runs the risk of exposing herself or himself to potential infections. Also many states forbid caring for wildlife without a permit.
Sorry no easy answers on this. You need to find a wildlife rehabilitator and keep your cat indoors.
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QUESTION: I don't own a cat. It was a neighborhood cat.
I took the little ones to the humane society in my area and found out they are
actually voles. No one yelled at me for caring for wildlife without a permit. I was
just trying to do the right thing.
Answer My apologies. I wrongly assumed the cat was yours. I should have read more carefully. Please forgive me. My anger at free-roaming cats clouded the rest of my piece. Now that I have a clearer head let me try to give a better or more appropriate explanation for my views.
You did the right thing by bringing the mice professionals. But did they explain the potential risks of your handling the animals might bring? Is the risk small? Yes. But how would you feel if you got sick (God forbid) and I didn't warn you? Sometimes, I have to strenously say things in order to motivate readers. I should have chosen words more carefully. But the point remains.
For what about the next time? If I was less than forceful, would you think stop and think twice and possibly expose yourself to a disease when dealing with another animal? Did you know that 80% of all rabies exposures are initiated by the human? In other words, the animal doesn't attack the human, the human approaches the animal.
I don't want you to stop caring for wildlife. What I want you to do is to care in a way that will be legal, and protect yourself and the animal from any harm.
I hope you can better understand my view on this even if you may disagree. I would rather be mean and protect you than be nice and not. But I am sure you will agree that I will work on being nice and protect the health of my inquirers. Thanks for putting up with my frailties. Best wishes.
