Are Deer Mice Really Dangerous?

When we think of dangerous wildlife, many of us would mention bears, mountain lions, wolves or cougars. Most likely, we wouldn't mention deer mice. When we think of a deer mouse, thoughts of a little critter invading our pantry come to mind. There are never thoughts of a mouse causing us great harm like an attacking bear. Many people do not know that a deer mouse can be a host to the deadly Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Called Hantavirus for short, it affects the human respiratory system.

The Hantavirus was first recorded in the United States in 1993 with most cases being reported in the southwestern states. Studies have shown that the virus is carried exclusively by deer mice. Within the mouse, the Hantavirus is merely a parasite affecting no harm to View the rest of this article