Mouse that keeps coming back

Question
Hi Natasha,
Well my husband and I have this little problem. There is a tiny mouse that we found in our recycling bin on our porch. Since I do not have the heart to kill it, we took it out into the woods (FAR into the woods) and wouldnt ya know, the next day... it was back in the recycling bin! Well this is the 3rd time we have been through this with this little mouse. He keeps finding his way back no matter where we put him outside. So funny story, my husband is getting attached to this little guy (yes he even named him) and we want to know how to care for a wild mouse... I have had tame mice when I was younger but I wasnt sure if a wild mouse can become a pet....  Thank you!!!!

Answer
Dear Angie,

You could give him the job of licking out the cans and shredding the paper for recycling...

Wild mice, even sweet friendly ones, aren't happy in captivity.  They are used to having acres of territory to run around in.  If it's a question between killing it and keeping it, of course you would want to keep it, but all you have to do is take him two MILES away to be sure he won't be back!  

I highly recommend getting some tame mice.  They do make awesome pets and your husband will fall in love immediately.  Recycle Mouse, however, should go find his own place to live.

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha