EXPERTS say footage of a mouse tidying up items inside a Powys resident’s shed and keeping it squeaky clean show the loveable little mammal’s characteristics.

The mighty mouse, who was captured on camera this week doing a little bit of nocturnal ‘mouse-keeping’ in Rodney Holbrook’s garden shed, captured the hearts of a global audience as the video went viral – being picked up by national UK newspapers, radio stations and even media outlets as far away as Australia.

Mr Holbrook, an avid wildlife photographer who lives just outside Builth Wells, had noticed some unusual goings-on overnight in his shed in recent months, so set up a camera to investigate.

Unbelievably, what he saw was a mouse picking up items including clothes pegs, a screwdriver and corks, and placing them into a pot in the middle of the table.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) founder Ingrid Newkirk said the footage showed that mice are “neat, clever individuals who like to keep their homes and themselves squeaky clean”.

While RSPCA Cymru said the activity was likely evidence of the mouse “gathering bits and bobs” in order to build a nest.

Retired postman Rodney has nicknamed the mouse, believed to be a wood mouse, ‘Welsh Tidy Mouse’.

“This viral video shows mice for who they truly are: neat, clever individuals who like to keep their homes and themselves squeaky clean,” said PETA founder Ingrid.

“Mice deserve to be respected as they struggle to exist in a world of other species that must feel like giants.

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“PETA urges anyone who would prefer not to have a mouse ‘helper’ in their home to pursue only cruelty-free control methods – sealing cracks, cleaning surfaces, disposing of food properly, and using humane traps for relocation.

“Respect for all living, feeling beings is the name of the game.”

An RSPCA spokesperson added: “Rodents are naturally active at night, although when they live near humans they're more likely to come out during the day too.

“They're great climbers and swimmers, so they can live in a variety of habitats.

“It’s likely that the mouse is gathering these bits and bobs together to build a nest.

“Although it might not look very cosy, objects like this can form a nice, insulated home when grouped together like this.

County Times: Rodney Holbrook’s footage captured the hearts of a global audience as the video went viral. Rodney Holbrook’s footage captured the hearts of a global audience as the video went viral. (Image: Hayley O'Keeffe)

“This looks like a wood mouse, which can add things like stones and twigs to their nests to stay warm in the colder weather. Wood mice usually only go into buildings in the winter, so perhaps this little mouse is trying to stay warm during this cold spell.

“It’s great to see someone enjoying watching one of our native mammals in their home.

“As a nation of animal lovers, it's no surprise this amazing footage has captured the imagination of so many people.”

In one particularly comedic moment the mouse can be seen wrestling with a stubborn cable tie which he eventually places in the tub.

By the end of the secretly filmed video, the mouse has dramatically improved the mess on the table, ready for Rodney to discover in the morning.

Rodney, 75, said: “I couldn't believe it when I saw that the mouse was tidying up, he moved all sorts of things into the box, bits of plastic, nuts and bolts.

"It has been going on for about two months, I call him Welsh Tidy Mouse. At first I noticed that some food that I was putting out for the birds was ending up in some old shoes I was storing in the shed, so I set up a camera to see what was going on.

“I don't bother to tidy up now, as I know he will see to it. I think he would tidy my wife away if I left her in there.”

County Times: RSPCA Cymru said the activity was likely evidence of the mouse “gathering bits and bobs” in order to build a nest. RSPCA Cymru said the activity was likely evidence of the mouse “gathering bits and bobs” in order to build a nest. (Image: Hayley O'Keeffe)

Mighty mouse facts

• There are 18 different species of rodents found in Britain, from the tiny harvest mouse to the bulky beaver. This includes two species of rats, four species of mice and two species of dormouse.

• Rats and mice commonly live in gardens and parks in the UK as they’ll have easy access to food sources, such as food put down for other animals.

• They can be attracted to spilt wild bird food, scattered by birds from feeders or tables. Compost heaps can also be a major attraction as they offer food, shelter and warmth.

• Other attractions can be improperly stored rubbish bags, cat, dog or other pet food (particularly outside pets like rabbits or guinea pigs) and food left out for wildlife such as hedgehogs.

For more information about rodents, visit RSPCA Cymru’s advice page where there is a ‘Living with Mice’ factsheet available, https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/rodents.