Stupid Question: Can I keep the rodent that is in my house?

My house is old and porous and I live in a swamp. As a result, mice and rats tend to find their way in, usually after a heavy rainstorm. I got some new visitors (at least one, possibly two) after Hurricane Irma came through.

I adore rodents, typically, and that’s the main reason why I’m hesitant to put out bait or glue traps or what have you. I did glue traps the last time they were in the house and seeing the poor things struggling just broke my heart.

I’ve ordered a couple of humane traps, which I’ll bait with little PB&J sammiches for them. The logical thing to do would be to release them in the field across the street from the house, which will most likely turn them into hawk bait.

Indulge my inner 3-year old girl – Can I love them and squeeze them and call their name George? Pllleeeaaaseee? I’ll be so very good!