Just a note to add to my comment about collecting 'common' or
'introduced' animals. Coincidentally, this point hits close to
home right now because I am trying to map mammals on islands in
the Sound and Strait. There are NO records of the House Mouse
on any island but Fidalgo! The only records for the Black Rat
are from Vashon and San Juan Island. The Norway Rat is recorded
from Vashon and a couple of islands in the San Juans.

The Norway Rat is to ships and boats what fleas are to dogs. It's hard to
believe thay are not on every island that ever had a ship dock and that
was big enough to support a population. The House Mouse travels in hay
bales, grain, and household furniture. Even harder to believe they are
only on Fidalge. But where's the proof? So, save those rats and mice,
kids! Especially if you live on an island. If you have specimens, I
will be glad to take them off your hands next time you are in Seattle.

Kelly Cassidy
kelly at u.washington.edu
206-685-4195