Jumping Mouse Loses Federal Protection Sat Jan 29,12:44 AM ET By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON - The Preble's meadow jumping mouse, once seen as a costly impediment to development, is now viewed by the government as a critter that never really existed — and is no longer in need of federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. AP Photo The Interior Department said Friday that new DNA research shows the 9-inch mouse, which can launch itself a foot and a half into the air and switch direction in mid-flight, is probably identical to another variety of mouse common...
