Animal control came out to the house this afternoon and took it. They said they will take it to a vet for a check up and determine if it is a protected species of rodent. Apparantly the trap did not hurt it and the fact that I gave it food and water - and did not shoot it - means they will not press charges against me if it does turn out to be protected.
Whew, was that good news to hear.
I understand your sarcasm---but the fact is you seem to enjoy watching animals suffer --and joke about it....pretty sad.