Small critter question

NC FNS

Blackhawk
Bronze Member
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Dec 25, 2015
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867
City & State/Province
Western NC
Didn’t close the door from the garage into the house all the way the other day, so it was open a smidge overnight. Didn’t think much of it, until I was sweeping the floor a few days later. Right in the area where a mouse would’ve entered was "evidence" of a creature. But it was round, and all the mouse poop I’ve seen is longer. Is there a mouse sized critter that leaves round droppings?
 
Does it look like this? Tree Rat scat....

1741824832516.png
 
As noted above,, size is another feature to assist in identification. But if it was as small as mice droppings,, then while it was rounded,, mice can also leave round ones.
 
We have Voles in our neck of the woods, which can be mouse size or slightly larger. They are vicious vegetarians which destroy bulbs, shrubs, and nearly any available plant life. Their droppings are "mouse-like", but sometimes more round and often slightly greenish. they are heat-seekers and will make your home their home, if given the chance. get the traps out quickly! Plant based bait. I've used peanut butter to hold seeds in place.
 
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Perfectly round,, like small bunny poop,, the size of mouse droppings huh? Interesting.

The fact it's inside the house,, even if it's only the garage is also a little odd.

Was it just one pellet,, or several?

I'm a little intrigued. Most wildlife I deal with doesn't leave droppings that small.
 
Perfectly round,, like small bunny poop,, the size of mouse droppings huh? Interesting.

The fact it's inside the house,, even if it's only the garage is also a little odd.

Was it just one pellet,, or several?

I'm a little intrigued. Most wildlife I deal with doesn't leave droppings that small.
Probably 10 or so.
 
I have had some experience with voles, so here goes. In my part of the country voles are normally a problem in winter. If you have snow cover for the whole winter they can make a mess of your lawn. They are often called meadow mice. They usually come from an area where there is taller grass, such as an empty lot or an undeveloped area. They won't be there unless there is snow cover. They eat trails under the snow so your lawn looks pretty bad when the snow melts. They really only eat the top, not the roots, so your lawn will come back. I have not had a problem with them in bushes or whatnot. Have no evidence that they will enter home, although they sometimes nest near a foundation. As I said bait boxes work well. We no longer have a vole problem.
 
Don't now if the Carolinas have Pack Rats, but they're a problem in NM. Round pellets larger than mice and smaller than rabbit or hare. The problem with pack rats is that they love modern engine wiring since the industry went to using soy on the insulation. I there is a food source they'll find it, and they are pretty adept at staying hid among any floor clutter. If you come out to the southwest, folks who park outside generally prop their hood up so the critters aren't looking for a warmer place to nest and eat. Here, garages or sheds need to be inspected regularly.
 
Need a picture with some item like a coin for reference and also, what did it smell and taste like?
Didn’t think to take a picture, and haven’t seen any more. Didn’t notice any smell, tasted like crap 🙂. Actually, I was thinking of the diagnosis of Gene Hackman’s wife’s death, that rodent sourced disease, so I didn’t examine it closely.
 
Didn't think to take a picture, and haven't seen any more. Didn't notice any smell, tasted like crap 🙂. Actually, I was thinking of the diagnosis of Gene Hackman's wife's death, that rodent sourced disease, so I didn't examine it closely.
She died of hanta virus.
 

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