Ask A Scientist© Zoology Archive

name       Ursula
status     student
age        9

Question - I live in New Jersey. Is the native deer mouse safe to
keep as a pet?

It is usually not a good idea to try to keep wild animals as pets, they can
be hard to keep alive and sometimes, though probably not very often, can
carry diseases or parasites. In Illinois it is illegal besides, even for a
mouse, though I doubt anyone would ever complain. Check with a local nature
center or wildlife office to see what the law is in your state.
J. Elliott
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Question - I live in New Jersey. Is the native deer
mouse safe to keep as a pet?
Deer Mice are known to care the lyme disease.  I would check with local 
authorities before taking them as a pet.

sds
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