A rude awakening

We saw 19 (?) species of birds on a walk this morning, plus a Deer, a Coyote, and this teeny baby Deer Mouse. It was picked up carefully out of its nest of seed-down from Goldenrod flowers (not MY hand!). The cutest little thing! Sorry, little guy, for the sudden exposure to cool air!!

"This rodent has a wide distribution in North America and is found throughout Alberta. This species is the primary rodent host of the hantavirus responsible for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in humans. This virus is believed to have been in North America for some time but has been recognized only recently. HPS is rare but is a serious illness with flu-like symptoms. Anyone who develops these symptoms after handling these animals or cleaning up rodent droppings should contact a doctor immediately." From www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/mammals.