Wild mice actually enjoy running on exercise wheels

Findings dispel the idea that wheel running is a product of captivity, indicative of a neurotic or repetitive stereotyped behaviour that may be associated with poor welfare

Wild mouse. (Credit: Kyle Moreau via Pexels.)

According to a newly published study, wild mice frequently and voluntarily run on an exercise wheel if provided access to them in nature, even in the absence of a food reward. Further, the length of running bouts by wild mice matched those of captive mice. These findings dispel the idea that wheel running is …