Mary Cope
As the first snow falls and you are packing away your summer clothes before pulling out your winter coats, many of the animals outside are making their own preparations for the cold winter months! They, too, have to prepare their homes and stock up on food to survive the toughest time of year!
As the first snow falls and you are packing away your summer clothes before pulling out your winter coats, many of the animals outside are making their own preparations for the cold winter months! They, too, have to prepare their homes and stock up on food to survive the toughest time of year!
You may hear scratching in your walls, find chewed boxes, or uncover collections of seeds in your garage or basement. The most likely culprit of these activities is the white-footed mouse, or deer mouse. These critters are professionals at adapting. During the summer, they live in the fields and woods, where they eat nuts, seeds, berries, and grains. During the winter, however, when food becomes scarce, deer mice move to places where food is readily available. Unfortunately, this is often our homes, barns, or garages. These mice can chew through almost anything, are fast, can jump high, and, worst of all, are nocturnal. Nocturnal animals are awake all night, making noise and keeping us awake. Many people want to get rid of these pesky mammals, as they present health hazards and are noisy. There are many ways to remove them from your house; one of the easiest ways is by using traps. To prevent any mouse problems, minimize the accessible food, such as bird or pet food. By doing this, you and the mice can keep a safe and comfortable distance from one another and can enjoy the winter in peace.
(Mary Cope is a junior whose interests span from dog shows to falconry. She particularly enjoys flying her hawk, Theron, in the woods behind her home. Mary’s immersion in the natural world for her various hobbies has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and the many creatures to which it is home.)
