Posted by Sharon Scheib on January 18, 2006

Q: Hello!

We live in rural upstate NY. One of our cats was chasing a mouse last night in the house. We think it was living "between the walls" and popped out somewhere. We wonder if it can survive the cold if we put it in our unheated shed- if it is used to living somewhat indoors. It seems fine - ate sunflower seeds,piece of apple and water and is curled up with some cotton and paper in a big covered bucket in our basement. It seems like a white footed mouse- is that the same as a "house" mouse. So we wonder should we keep it inside and "care for it" til it warms up a little in March (2 months)?If we release it in the house will it find its way back to where it's been living or just scramble and end up hiding within our living quarters? Or would it do best if we provide nesting material and shelter in the enclosed shed? Thanks for any help-Sharon

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: New York

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: You sound as though you've worked with wild animals before - your concerns are quite reasonable! You are correct in being concerned about putting your mouse outside after it has been living within your home. Since it is not acclimated to the outside cold, before it could find adequate shelter, it would probably get too cold and die of exposure. I like your idea of providing a place like a cage for your mouse to live in until warmer weather - that works for me! When you do release it, just make sure it is during a warm-spell rather than a cold one, but you already know that. If you do release your mouse in the house, it will probably find its original shelter or if not, find a new one. Only problem there is that it will need food and will probably get in to areas you don't want chewed or soiled. I'm not encouraging people to keep wild animals but in your case I think it makes sense to keep your mouse in the house for now. Best to you and your mouse. Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( January 19, 2006)