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Native Californian, biologist, wildlife conservation consultant, retired Smithsonian scientist, father of two daughters, grandfather of 4 small primates. INTJ. Believes nature is infinitely more interesting than shopping malls. Born 100 years too late.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Deliverance



Richard called this morning to report he had captured the mouse. It had been doing the usual subtle but annoying mousie things in his basement. . . like crapping on the workbench and pulling insulation from appliances.

"If you don't mind I'll let it go down in the woods below your house. The same place I let the rattlesnake go."

"Not a problem. Come on down."

I opened the garage door, and a few minutes later I heard Richard on his scooter.

The deer mouse was in the Hyatt-Regency trap Richard made last year. This luxury trap of his own design comes with two rooms, one furnished with peanuts and water, the other with a bed of clean linen. The door quietly locks on a magnetic door jamb, and the expanded metal walls are designed deter the most determined escape artists.



It was a lucky mouse and this was its chance to mend its ways.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

What type of camera do you use? I'm new to this and am looking for a trail cam that takes nice pics. Thanks.

Camera Trap Codger said...

Go to the archives and look up the post called "More background". A lot of folks make their own digital camera traps using commercially sold controller boards, and I am one of them. I'm pretty happy with the Sony DSC s600. There are also quite a few camera trap models for sale these days. You can compare them on the Cabelas online catalogue. You should also check out the http://Pixcontroller.com webpage, which has a forum to guide newbies in making their own. Pixcontoller also sells fine camera traps. If you are not handy and don't have a decent collection of tools it's better just to buy one.

Anonymous said...

How did Roger make it? Can it work for shrews? I have tons of shrews and they are really bugging me. I would really like your help. Please and Thank you.

Camera Trap Codger said...

Roger has no doubt passed on by now. Probably wouldn'd work well for shrews, which bring good luck and are an indicator of a healthy soil conditions. Love them and celebrate their success.