Trap a Mouse with a Jar and a Coin. Then Chase it with a Motorcycle.

 by TimAnderson

Step 4: Catch And Release!

mouserace.jpg
We release our mice on the runway. It's a festive occasion.
There's no reason for it to be so much fun. It just is. And it's always different.

Sir Heinrich races the mouse on motorcycle.
This mouse was unusually fast and motivated.
I think it had been eating health food in that bin all day.



Video shot by Instructables Matt.
 
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thequara says: Jun 16, 2011. 1:27 PM
Nice, simple solution to the age old mouse trap quest. For all those whining about killing mice, do you think hawks or owls make their prey comfy before sinking their talons in them? Do you think weasels use anesthesia (sorry, not spell checking that one, if wrong, whah! If correct, yay!) to put them out before chewing them in half? Animals kill them because they are food. We kill them because they are PESTS that can impact our lives and health. Nature is not "Humane" to it's creatures, so is all of nature "wrong" and "Cruel"? Go ahead, let that live-trapped mouse go in the field down your street... if you don't SEE the cat that chews it's head off because you removed the mouse from the shelter of your house, you didn't have anything to do with it's death, right?
Libahunt in reply to thequaraAug 9, 2011. 1:42 AM
I think what you are saying is demagogy.

We are humans - different from other animals - for the reason that we have a choice how to treat our prey.

Setting a mouse loose in a field or forest far enough from house is not hypocritical because cat might kill it anyway - the mouse has same chances that any other little animal in the wilderness. And it also had its chances of getting captured by cat while living in the house.
Lord Jon Bigglesworth in reply to LibahuntNov 12, 2011. 12:10 AM
Actually, you're wrong. You can say that it would have had the same chance if that'll set your mind at ease, but after it has entered your home, it is reliant upon you and other humans for food and shelter. It is actually kinder to simply kill the darn thing quickly so that it doesn't starve to death slowly. Why do you think they put up "Please don't feed the birds" signs, and why so many captive animals can't be released to the wild? They are reliant on humans for everything, so to do so would be a death sentence. All animals have a choice as to how they treat their prey. A cat may decide it isn't hungry, and a wolf pack may decide to hunt elsewhere. People like you annoy me. You have hubris, you think that humans are somehow above all other creatures. Well, look at wolves. Do wolves kill their comrades in cold blood? No. Do wolves actively spend time and effort figuring out more efficient ways to kill each other? No. Do humans? Absolutely, from the very beginning of the human race, we have killed each other and found better ways to do so. Is it really worth it to argue over mice just so you can feel better about yourself? Ask yourself that.
Libahunt in reply to Lord Jon BigglesworthNov 12, 2011. 4:32 PM
Yes, people who do not set standards for themselves, spend lot of effort for figuring out how to harm others - people and animals. The way from torturing a mouse to torturing people is not that long, that's why I say it out - stop now, on the mouse. People should act better than they do. People have choice to do that.

They do not choose the better way very often. Should I because of that fact go with the flow? Should I like others torture animals and never open my mouth about anyone else doing that?

Do you really think I am trying to fix my awfully bad karma with minor arguing? No, I live by rule, that I do things I want others to do. I make mistakes and try to do better next time, And I am not going to keep my opinion on what is mistake and what is not silently to myself.

And no, not all animals who have lived near people are totally helpless. Maybe a little untrained, but not 100% going to get eaten in next 5 minutes. Whatever its chance - better let someone hungry eat it than kill it for fun or just whitout no point.
Lord Jon Bigglesworth in reply to LibahuntNov 12, 2011. 6:41 PM
But, could it not be said that in letting the mouse out, leaving it hungry, is torture?

Again-judging. Who are you to say that not killing the prey is "the right path?" anyone who knows anything about animals know this- the wolf has to eat too. But they also know that the wolf is sometimes not hungry, or that the wolf chooses a different, perhaps tastier or easier prey. Animals make choices all the time, but they don't waste time quantifying them into categories of "right" and "wrong." Because on the mouse's side, eating it would be bad, and leaving it would be good. Whereas from the wolf's perspective, eating it would be good, and leaving it would be starvation and possibly death.

And yeah, you are trying to fix your karma. Everybody has made some kind of mistake that haunts them. Perhaps you killed something or someone once, by accident or on purpose, and now wish to atone for this by stopping others from doing so. A noble sentiment, which leaves you on the surface and in your head a "good" person. But, honestly, it's much more likely you are trying to make up for the past, or to justify the present.

Finally, I don't care if you argue. I argue all the time. I'm jaded. I have a somewhat scathing outlook on the world. Just, while you're arguing, do so from a rational standpoint. Don't judge others, show them a different way. And don't think that your way is always the better way. And don't hold yourself above the rest of the world, because we all break the golden rule. Constantly. The two of us just have, just with this argument. The two of us are both hypocritical. I'm judging you right now while I'm telling you not to judge.

I agree with you on one point. People should act differently. You can't say better, because better means different things to everyone. But the world would be safer, at the very least, if people looked at things from the other side's point of view.
Libahunt in reply to Lord Jon BigglesworthNov 14, 2011. 10:58 AM
I definately am not trying to worsen my karma, but it's not that simple that one could point out which dramatic event is haunting me. I think saying out my opinion is part of showing my different way. It's absolutely nothing by itself, but without it no one would know that a person, in this case me, who is trying to get through this life without making too many excuses, but pushing self for good changes, existed at all.

I have to admit that I can't understand the point of view of these guys with the motorcycle too well. Maybe I am starting to get Yours a bit better already, after lots of writing You have done. I am even starting to like You...
Lord Jon Bigglesworth in reply to LibahuntNov 14, 2011. 10:43 PM
Honestly, I argue here for a few very simple reasons, which, after some reflection, I have come to terms with. First- I kinda like to have a good argument, assuming it's all in good spirit and neither side is trying to pit down the other. Second- I find the Internet is a very good way for me to express myself and my feelings since I'm not face to face, and I can say what I like without seeing how the other person reacts; it becomes easier for me. Third- after somewhat recent events I realized I am becoming cynical to some degree, after seeing firsthand the cruelty of the world unleashed on someone very close and dear to me, someone who didn't deserve it. Fourth- I actually agree with you on most points. Don't torture the thing. I would say either kill it very very quickly and painlessly, or put it out somewhere with perhaps a bit of food to get it started in life. I'm not sure if killing mice is such a clear cut path to becoming an axe murderer (I mean, when was the last time I ever thought twice about smashing a fly or termite), but I do not condone animal cruelty in any way.

In debate class, they often have you take up the side you would normally disagree with, so that you can see the world through other's eyes. Let me just say this now- I would rather die than kill anyone or anything (aside from spiders and little bugs, as they are icky and kinda scare me). The last time I saw a mouse in my house, I bought humane nonlethal traps and tried to get the little guy before one of my four cats did. Unsuccessfully, but, hey, I was up against history's greatest mouse catchers.

I have to admit, I was wrong to say you did something wrong and are trying to make up for that. I simply forgot that there are still people who actually care about others.
Libahunt in reply to Lord Jon BigglesworthNov 15, 2011. 9:44 AM
It was a meaningful argument to have, it widened my understanding of the world. I hope things will get better for You and Your loved ones.
orangewolf22 in reply to thequaraJun 16, 2011. 5:54 PM
cheers!
tofu4tortoise in reply to thequaraJun 16, 2011. 5:44 PM
you took the words right out of my mouth... congratulations!
Libahunt says: Aug 9, 2011. 1:38 AM
DON'T TORTURE THE ANIMAL!

If you feel you need to get rid of it permanently - get a proper killing trap, no need to suffocate it in the jar or make it panic on the endless paving. Even if they did not run over the mouse this time, it could have accidentally happened. If you bothered to capture it humanely then release it humanely without the circus.

We are humans - different from other animals - for the reason that we have a choice how to treat our prey. Those who torture animals become less human and even inferior to wild animals which do not have choice.

And as you are probably not eating that mouse - think again, you must be really desperately disturbed by that little being to kill it.
Lord Jon Bigglesworth in reply to LibahuntNov 12, 2011. 12:13 AM
Honestly, if you were just going to make self-righteous comments about other people, why even bother reading the Instructable? And while you're at it, don't insult my cats, and every other animal, wild or domestic, on the planet.
Libahunt in reply to Lord Jon BigglesworthNov 12, 2011. 4:36 PM
I did read it.
I didn't insult Your or my own cat. I dont ever judge animals.
Lord Jon Bigglesworth in reply to LibahuntNov 12, 2011. 6:27 PM
But I'm saying why bother reading it if you know how it ends? A good book never reveals its ending twist, and the end to this story was plain. Also, you did insult my cats, and you did judge every animal by saying they have no choice. Animals, though humans hate to recognize it, can choose what they do, when they do it, and how. You should know this if you have a cat. Seriously, they don't budge if they don't want to.

And scaring isn't exactly torture. Although it is a complete waste of time, everybody forgets being scared. Nobody forgets physical pain. As long as they didn't actually hurt the thing, it cannot be defined as torture, as the effects are fleeting, evanescent. That's why people watch horror movies.
Libahunt in reply to Lord Jon BigglesworthNov 14, 2011. 10:28 AM
You must admit that only humans are able to get such strange ideas and make them come true like not to have children or become vegan. And other possibilities, these were just primitive examples. Animals never do these things. You can call these ideas human stupidity and assume animals are smarter and discard such ideas. But I call most of them choice and I tend to think that animals do not think of them in the first place. No intention to insult any of them. Just humans are different. Not in any good way. Different.

Also my knowledge and experience suggests that humans are only species on this planet who are able to destroy most of biological life, including themselves, on very large areas (and we are probably heading that way). I am not very optimistic about humans too by the way, I think possibly You might be arguing with me because You aren't. I see that power to destroy as responsibility. I think we must make rules for ourselves that are not derived from what a bored pack of wolves might do. Not because human was superior but because he's different. Like you can't play one sportsgame with rules of a totally other thing.

Sorry, I don't have a common experince with You what is torture and what isn't. I remember being scared and remember it as very unpleasant. I don't know why other people watch horror movies. On the other hand I don't remember any significant physical pain, maybe I haven't felt it. And on that personal experience I think animals hate to be scared as much as I do.

Reading ... because the title suggested something positive in the first half and I just did not get the other half as quickly, it was like "what?..", probably my fantasy does not go that violent way easily to get the sign "do not read".

Lord Jon Bigglesworth in reply to LibahuntNov 14, 2011. 10:51 PM
Yeah, you're right, I have a very depressing and pessimistic view of humanity due to past experience and simple observation. I think before we blast ourselves into oblivion though, we will use up too many resources and cause a mass extinction. If we survive at all, our numbers will be severely diminished.

Depending on how long lasting the feeling is, it is or isn't torture. For example, if all of a sudden, the mouse shivers for the rest of its life, that's torture. If it gets an adrenaline rush (do mice have adrenaline?) for a few minutes and then escapes and calms down, it isn't. I define torture on lasting effects. The worst pain I have ever felt was when my first real love broke up with me, and that left a lasting effect, so I would say it was torturous.
DANgerous124 says: Aug 8, 2011. 10:34 PM
They didn't run over the mouse. They were just chasing it around. Keep calm and go watch a cat video on Youtube.
technodai says: Oct 27, 2007. 10:29 AM
Creating a simple, effective and humane mouse trap = brilliant
Chasing a mouse around with a motorbike = retarded
RaptorPhoenix in reply to technodaiJun 16, 2011. 7:28 PM
Agreed, I thought this was a pretty cool instructable until I saw the final step.
TFS Jake in reply to technodaiDec 28, 2009. 6:04 PM
mice are mice, it's not a big deal.
Hawaii00000 in reply to technodaiNov 12, 2007. 5:33 PM
you mean:
Chasing a mouse around with a motorbike = hilarious
R.A.T.M in reply to Hawaii00000Jun 17, 2011. 4:38 AM
ill say what i ut up ther and to think that it s hilarious is digscusting

the trap is a great idea but the thot of chasing a scared and confused anmial is SICK why wold someone do such a thing it is a living breathing anamil just like us thay dont have a consept of staing out of houses sheds ect thay just want food and a shelter.

PS TimAnderson just cuzz its called a pest or rodent dose not give you the right to toucher and kill an inasint creater how cold some one get enjoyment out of killing an simple and inasint anamle.
qaws in reply to Hawaii00000Jun 14, 2008. 7:57 PM
you must have a pretty sad and boring life if u chase mice around for fun
Ben.land101 in reply to Hawaii00000Mar 18, 2008. 6:41 PM
Creating a simple, effective and humane mouse trap=boring
Chasing a mouse around with a motorbike=priceless
R.A.T.M in reply to Ben.land101Jun 17, 2011. 4:39 AM
read what i posted up thair
beehard44 in reply to Ben.land101Aug 20, 2010. 8:42 AM
agree
R.A.T.M in reply to beehard44Jun 17, 2011. 4:39 AM
read what i posted up thair
coolacid in reply to beehard44Jun 16, 2011. 12:48 PM
Meh, they're just having fun with it. At least in the video doesn't look like they killed it. It they didn't, the mouse was only scared, like many people with mice.
gothichiic in reply to Hawaii00000Jan 14, 2008. 10:34 PM
geez ur very funny..
darth acexxacer in reply to Hawaii00000Dec 14, 2007. 9:08 PM
yay
darthbindy says: Apr 21, 2011. 7:29 PM
still great job on the build! = )
darthbindy says: Apr 21, 2011. 7:28 PM
great job on making a humane mouse trap but chasing it with a motor bike?and killing it? no wonder so many people grow up to be killers.................
joakimk says: Oct 17, 2007. 3:13 AM
I like the idea of a non-lethal mouse trap, but releasing it only to chase it around is just cruel. At risk of violating the "be nice" policy myself, I claim you're a bunch of wankers.
wrdplay in reply to joakimkJul 28, 2010. 4:07 PM
wankers they are indeed
wingbatwu in reply to joakimkOct 17, 2007. 8:12 AM
I would put it in a small, flimsy cardboard "gondola", and send it away on a helium balloon trip.
beehard44 in reply to wingbatwuAug 20, 2010. 8:41 AM
yeah, that's humane. the mouse dies of suffocation and feels no pain. he's dead when he reaches someone's head at full velocity.
Lord Jon Bigglesworth in reply to beehard44Nov 12, 2011. 12:16 AM
I'm gonna risk violating the be nice policy for a third time tonight and say, WTF ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT! Have you ever tried not breathing?!?! It's about the least humane way to go!
Evilthingamabober in reply to wingbatwuJul 28, 2008. 6:06 PM
Funny, but no blood and gore. Waahh..
silverpapermaker in reply to wingbatwuDec 24, 2007. 4:05 PM
ok ive done this its kinda fun. get a jar with a rubber lid poke like 5 holes in it put the mouse in side. go to the beach and go very far in the ocean , wait for a big wave and let tthe rat go whoosh!
kimithy in reply to silverpapermakerJan 31, 2012. 1:12 PM
WTF? :(
darth acexxacer in reply to wingbatwuDec 14, 2007. 9:06 PM
you are brilliant
fighter pilot in reply to wingbatwuOct 17, 2007. 1:26 PM
or just release it on a small raft in the middle of a pond
tyeo098 in reply to fighter pilotOct 17, 2007. 2:22 PM
Or keep it as a pet...
Kiteman in reply to tyeo098Oct 17, 2007. 3:20 PM
As the pilot of a large paper aeroplane, launched from the top of the control tower...
tyeo098 in reply to KitemanOct 17, 2007. 3:49 PM
SNAK3 F00D!!! lol
eLeet in reply to tyeo098Dec 30, 2007. 7:39 AM
I wouldn't feed a wild mouse to my snake- too large a risk of parasites / disease :P +My snake is a 4ft boa, so it wouldn't be much of a meal for him, anyway ;)
awol1970 in reply to tyeo098Dec 1, 2007. 11:44 AM
yeppers!! ;)
sgt.paper in reply to awol1970Jan 13, 2008. 1:36 PM
i would put it in my model rocket were the parachute goes and launch them boom bye mouse
Evilthingamabober in reply to sgt.paperJul 28, 2008. 6:16 PM
Take the mouse, put it in a small bag, take it to the golf course, get out your golf club, and swing away! MUAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA!
fighter pilot in reply to sgt.paperJan 13, 2008. 3:33 PM
hahaha, thats a good one, why didnt i think of that?
Cat on my Lap in reply to fighter pilotJan 14, 2008. 12:02 PM
Potato cannon anyone?
Seppuko in reply to Cat on my LapApr 20, 2008. 4:54 PM
Hey guys, if I torture and kill mice, will you think I'm cool, too?
fighter pilot in reply to SeppukoApr 20, 2008. 5:15 PM
absolutely, sadistic people RULE!
142400 in reply to fighter pilotMar 24, 2009. 5:53 PM
you could use another Instructable and make a mini mouse noose out of string and hang it!
tyeo098 in reply to SeppukoApr 20, 2008. 5:14 PM
I would!!!
duct_tape_masta in reply to tyeo098Jul 12, 2008. 6:09 PM

extended

zyrmix in reply to duct_tape_mastaSep 14, 2008. 1:17 AM
extend
biffula in reply to zyrmixOct 14, 2008. 8:26 AM
I think the best way to deal with it would be to set the trap somewhere out of the way then just forget about it. Remember a few months later and go check out the dried out carcass.
fatboy_white in reply to biffulaAug 23, 2010. 12:21 AM
In all fairness, they started, ever heard of the plague? Not exactly a humane death in its own right. It's like they say don't start none, won't be none, but these furry little messengers of wiped out most of Europe.... and for that they now must deal with the motorcycle race of doom.... sounds fair to me....
rrossman in reply to fatboy_whiteJun 14, 2011. 7:04 PM
In all fairness, the plague was carried by fleas, not mice. Mice were just another victim, not the perpetrator.
JohnCrane in reply to rrossmanJun 16, 2011. 2:39 PM
Well, if we're going to be splitting hairs, the plague was carried by fleas, the FLEAS were carried by rats, mice, and all other types of vermin. Problem: prove who started it. I say it was the mice. Evil little sods. They did it for the cheese. Evil AND greedy.
Zach23 says: Feb 24, 2010. 8:02 AM
i hate mice
Kryptonite in reply to Zach23Mar 3, 2010. 1:51 AM
So that's why you've got a mouse trap racer as your picture.
Zach23 in reply to KryptoniteSep 2, 2010. 6:57 PM
yep
goldminer78 says: Sep 1, 2009. 12:42 PM
or put it in a cardboard box and stun it over and over and over and..........oops all over :P LOL. Thats what I do. But hey, we're not all perfect. :)
Kryptonite in reply to goldminer78Mar 3, 2010. 1:52 AM
O.o
benzlers says: Jun 25, 2009. 10:04 PM
legs i mean
benzlers says: Jun 25, 2009. 10:03 PM
well i rekon get a bow and arrow break there lags and chase after them trying to shoot them
arentnancy says: Apr 9, 2009. 6:45 AM
I think setting the trap on a piece of heavy cardboard might make removal easier. I think chasing a released mouse is heartless, the poor thing is already a nervous wreak.
the_don says: Jun 6, 2008. 10:54 PM
Koodos to this mouse trap, i have a mouse in my house, and this seems like the simplest way to go, and literately 5 mins ago, caught the squeaky thing.
duct_tape_masta in reply to the_donJul 12, 2008. 6:07 PM
lol i thought humans couldnt use kodos
cementbrains says: Jan 4, 2008. 3:13 PM
Or catch a few of them and launch them into the air with a spud cannon
Gridnack572 says: Nov 21, 2007. 11:02 AM
I let my cat play with them .... right up till it has a heart attack (mouse) cat is bored mouse not running poor mouse
snowaier says: Oct 25, 2007. 3:41 AM
cruelty for the lose. at least you didnt run over it. on the video anyway...
komodo 3000 says: Oct 21, 2007. 2:27 PM
or set it on a firework
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