Lost & found small mammals in Lake of the Ozarks

Calico dwarf hamster found near Osage Beach outlets

I found a tiny calico dwarf hamster this afternoon around 2:45 pm in the parking lot behind the Osage Beach Premium Outlets on Highway 54 in the Lake of the Ozarks area. The little guy is about the size of a ping-pong ball, with a tri-color coat of orange, white, and gray, and a bright pink nose. There’s a small white crescent on his right shoulder and a faint scar on his left hind leg that makes him easy to identify. He’s settled in a small pet carrier with bedding and a few sunflower seeds, and I’m keeping him cool and calm. I know someone is probably worried about him already, and I’d really like to help get him back home.