CHUGWATER, Wyo. - After six years of regulations and restrictions that have cost builders, local governments and landowners an estimated $100 million, new research suggests the "threatened" Preble's mouse in fact never existed. It instead seems to be genetically identical to the Bear Lodge meadow jumping mouse, which is considered common enough not to need protection.
The new research could lead to removal from Endangered Species Act protection. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to decide in December.
And I thought fictitious mice in soup were bad. Details here from the AP.