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[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

> I had my least problem with the troublesome mice and voles the year I saw
> more than 30 copperheads in the garden (not all at once, thank 
> Bast!).  Don't know that I reckon it a good trade.

We can only hope the gods give us a good balance.

While mowing grass this spring I have seen a normal blacksnake and a 
large one. Both keep down mice, rats, and small rattlesnakes, the 
nastiest of which here is the Pygmy. But with no cats yet, we have 
thus far since early April trapped about a dozen mice in the house.

My experience is substantial and poignant in this regard. I want cats 
that are strong mice hunters because I know that keeps down the 
population of Pygmys and copperheads. With a year-round stream two to 
three hundred feet in front of the house, we have a history of plenty 
copperheads. And for whatever reason we have far more Pygmys than 
most folks around here. You do not want to be bitten by a Pygmy 
rattler. You can trust me on this.