How do mice behave when poisoned? - briefly
Poisoned mice usually display sudden lethargy, loss of coordination, and may experience convulsions before death. The onset and severity of these signs depend on the toxin type and dose.
How do mice behave when poisoned? - in detail
When a rodent is exposed to a lethal or sub‑lethal toxin, its actions shift from normal foraging and exploration to a recognizable pattern of distress. Early signs include rapid breathing, tremors, and a loss of coordination; these symptoms arise from the toxin’s impact on the central nervous system and metabolic pathways. As the poison progresses, mice often display:
- Hyperactivity followed by sudden immobility
- Repetitive grooming or scratching of the fur, indicating peripheral irritation or neuropathic pain
- Unusual postures, such as arching the back or curling into a ball, reflecting muscular rigidity or convulsive episodes
- Decreased responsiveness to external stimuli, culminating in coma before death
The specific behavioral alterations depend on the class of poison. Anticoagulant rodenticides, for example, cause internal bleeding that leads to weakness, lethargy, and a gradual decline in movement. Neurotoxic agents like bromethalin produce seizures, ataxia, and pronounced agitation. Metabolic poisons such as zinc phosphide generate severe respiratory distress and a rapid collapse of motor function.
Physiological monitoring shows that heart rate initially spikes, then slows as shock sets in. Body temperature may rise due to uncontrolled muscle activity, then drop as circulatory failure ensues. The combination of these observable changes enables researchers and pest‑control professionals to identify the type of toxin and estimate the stage of intoxication.
In controlled laboratory settings, detailed video analysis reveals that affected mice spend a higher proportion of time near the cage walls, avoid open spaces, and exhibit reduced exploratory rearing. These avoidance behaviors reflect heightened anxiety and pain perception. Finally, the terminal phase is marked by a cessation of all voluntary movement, loss of righting reflex, and eventual death.