Her cunning nose led her to a glove in the passenger’s bag where it appears the mouse had been living. There was clear evidence of chewed glove fingers and Rosie spent little time in taking that smell and flushing out the stowaways hiding place; traps were set, and the hitchhiker bagged.

“We were lucky the mouse was spotted before it had the opportunity to get ashore on one of the many pest-free islands. We’re thankful for the crews quick thinking to contact us and demonstrates the importance of the relationship between the pest-free warranted operators and our inspectors,” says dog handler Kerryn Johnson.

Glove with fingers chewed by mouse

Auckland Council’s updated Regional Pest Management Plan came into effect in November last year. Under the plan, all commercial operators in the Hauraki Gulf are required to hold and maintain a pest-free warrant.

The warrant ensures all vessel operators are following good biosecurity practices to further protect the Hauraki Gulf islands from pest transfer.

A salutary reminder to all how easily pests can find their way into belongings and why it is so important to check all gear before leaving the mooring.