Injured or orphaned mice & rats
 Rodents most commonly seen in and around dwellings in the Bay Area include house mice, Norway rats and roof rats (also known as black rats). They are not native to North America and cause millions of dollars of damage each year, can cause food poisoning, and spread diseases to humans such as plague and typhus. |
We also have native rodents such as deer mice, harvest mice, California voles and dusky-footed wood rats (also know as packrats). These are usually seen away from homes, but can sometimes be found close to or in dwellings. |
Young mice or rat(s) alone
If found alone, away from a nest, bring to the museum. If you disturb a nest, let the mother return to her babies. If she doesn't return within a few hours, bring them to the museum. Rodents are nocturnal and the mother is usually with the young during the day. |
Rodent traps for non-natives
Do not use glue traps or poison. Glue traps are inhumane and can catch unintended victims such as lizards and birds. Poisoned rodents may secondarily poison predators or pets. Snap traps are the most humane. |
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