Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based company focused on de-extinction, has unveiled its latest success: golden, long-haired mice. Affectionately dubbed woolly mice, these curly cuties mark an important milestone in “genetic editing,” a process that involves altering a DNA sequence to yield a desired characteristic.
So, can you get a woolly mouse as a pet? Maybe in the not-so distant-future, but not right now. Good news: there are other options for lovers of long-haired rodents.
Woolly Mice Are Currently Used for Research Purposes
To produce a litter of woolly mice from an ordinary lab mouse, Colossal Biosciences made edits to seven mice genes that affected hair growth, whisker shape, hair texture, and other traits. With its latest findings, the organization hopes to revive many now-extinct animals, including the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger. Note that “revive” should be used loosely, as the ultimate product wouldn’t be the original extinct animal, but a very physically similar creature.
So, if Colossal Biosciences is able to achieve its goal of producing the first woolly mammoth calf by 2028, it wouldn’t be a true woolly mammoth. Instead, it would be the offspring of an Asian elephant with an edited genetic sequence to have long, light-colored hair and the ability to withstand colder temperatures. Woolly mice aren’t a new species, but instead brown mice with edited genes.
These findings mark an important milestone in genetic editing. However, it’ll likely be years before you’ll see a woolly mouse on sale at your local pet store––and perhaps this is for the best. After all, scientists have a lot to learn about these mice, including their temperaments, care needs, and life span.
You Have Other Options When Choosing Pet Mice
It may feel discouraging to learn that you can’t adopt a mouse fresh from a lab experiment. But don’t be dismayed! There are many types of mice with unique characteristics that are bound to capture your heart and intrigue. While these mice are all the same species, some “breeds” of pet mice include:
- Fancy mice. These are the most popular pet mice. Don’t let the name confuse you; they don’t prefer the finer things in life. The term “fancy” refers to how hobbyists may “fancy” certain things.
- Spiny mice. Imagine petting a mouse with a rough, coarse coat. That’s the spiny mouse for you. They’re rarer than other types of mice, so it’s unlikely you’ll see one at a commercial pet store.
- Zebra mice. Also called the single-striped grass mouse, these little guys are fast. Running on a seemingly endless supply of energy, they need plenty of space and an enclosure with a tight-fitting lid.
- Dwarf mice. They’re exactly what they sound like. Smaller than average mice.
There are also natal mice. They look like a cross between a fancy rat and a mouse; they have long tails and prominent ears.
Consider This: Mice Don’t Make the Best Pets
Here’s the thing: mice don’t make the greatest pets. And here’s why: you are the size of a skyscraper in scale compared to a small mouse. Picture standing at the base of a massive tower and looking straight up. Now picture that tower moving and trying to touch you. It’s easy to see why rats and other small rodents are preferred to mice.
Even the slightest move could strike fear into the heart of even the most docile mouse. Woe is you if you’re handling a pet mouse and they leap from your hand. Unlike rats, which can be trained to respond to their names, a mouse will use that opportunity to make a run for it. The point is that while woolly mice could someday be sold as pets, if they’re anything like standard mice, they will be skittish and prefer the company of their own kind over yours.
Lovers of Small Rodents Have Other Options
There are many rodents that make great pets, including:
- Satin rats. The American Fancy Rat & Mouse Association notes that these rats have a special mutation that causes their fur to feel plush and sleek. They have a glossy coat and will not require as much grooming (if any) as other long-haired pets.
- Varieties of long-haired guinea pigs. There are 13 recognized guinea pig breeds, and about half of them have either flowing locks or a woolly-like texture. Some include the Abyssinian, American Satin, and Coronet. Guinea pigs make great pets, and they thrive in small groups called “herds.”
- Syrian hamsters. Sometimes called teddy bear hamsters, some individuals have long coats, not too unlike woolly mice!
Long-haired rodents have more hands-on grooming needs than smoother-coated pets. For example, guinea pigs should be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles.
Consider Getting an Angora Type Rabbit
Fun fact: rabbits are not rodents. They are lagomorphs, which are defined by animals with two pairs of incisors in the upper jaw. Rodents only have one pair. The American Rabbit Breeders Association currently recognizes 52 rabbit breeds, and there are many, many options for those looking for a small, long-haired, interactive pet.
One of the most recognizable rabbit breeds is the Angoras. There are four: the English Angora, French Angora, Giant Angora, and Satin Angora. These rabbits were purposefully bred for their long coat, called Angora wool. They’re among the most ancient rabbit breeds, and they make great pets for those looking to bond with their pet through time-intensive grooming sessions.
Aside from Angora rabbits, there’s also the Lionhead, a small rabbit bred to have a “mane” framing its face and ears. These are relatively small compared to other breeds, weighing no more than four pounds. Although woolly mice won’t be popular pets any time soon, you have many, many options if you’re looking for a pet that looks like a stuffed animal.
