Forgot about hantavirus...wasnt it pretty bad in New Mexico and Arizona at one point. Either way id stay away from anything wild, especially since we as snake owners/breeders worry about our snakes or mice being parasite/disease free and introducing something from the wild we dont know what might be wrong with it or what they have been through that just might effect our pets/feeders.
BTW, i too was reading your post during my 3rd shift...and was extremely tired since i stayed up to watch the MAVS take down the heat hehehe