Think He'll Help with Rent?

Marked "mature" for the following content - just in case.

Because it's unlikely that one'll help - it's long gone.

We caught & released a Kangaroo Mouse that had snuck in through the front door when we had no A/C over the summer. We discovered it by the damage it was causing to daughter's succulent. It was fiendishly cute and wasn't bothering any of the food spots or anything else, so sacrificed some of the chicks from the plant to help in its capture & subsequent release. Only to discover a regular mouse when the two started fighting each other - rather violently and spectacularly (was amazed at the amount of noise and height they'd jump at each other in their attacks).

We discovered it by the damage it was causing to daughter's succulent. It was fiendishly cute and wasn't bothering any of the food spots or anything else, so sacrificed some of the chicks from the plant to help in its capture & subsequent release. Only to discover a regular mouse when the two started fighting each other - rather violently and spectacularly (was amazed at the amount of noise and height they'd jump at each other in their attacks).

As you'll notice in the image below, the differences between the two were pretty striking, the one from outdoors had a very long tail (almost thought it was a small snake when we first saw it), and the hing legs/feet distinctly kangaroo-like (hence the name).

-pictured: Kangaroo Mouse-

For the regular mice, only one of the two traps succeeded, and daughter caught/released another; but the two Huskies killed at least four others. The male will kill and take it to a place we can see he's done so - much like a cat - except he expects high praise and treats. The female will just eat the thing. It's still fun watching 'em hunt.

We've patched up the three holes best we can, and more than once. But there is at least one left - who seems to be faster and smarter than all those before it - but I've read that's how things tend to work.

-pictured: Rodent from Mouse Hunt (1997)-

One of the worst moments was when I made Mexican Rice & Chicken Burrito Casserole . The one still around was bold enough to dash to the container - less than five minutes out of the oven - to lift on its hind legs and start chowing away at what it could reach - not caring how close any of us were to it! Almost met its end then.

Aside from that, it's been a pain cleaning up after them while also making sure all the food is properly stored and securely protected. And then there's the other issue - they've been keeping the roach population down. Each successful mouse death seems to result in an increase in size and number of the roaches here...

-pictured: Kota-

No guilt at all after a successful kill. And check out that wittle tongue stickin' out.

At least someone is comfortable in this place!