Bluetooth seems to be sensitive to range when you first pair devices. After pairing, the range is 15-30 feet, depending on interference. When pairing, proximity seems to help the devices find each other.
Check the stupid stuff too: that the mouse has good batteries, that the switch for pairing is engaged, and that the pairing light on the bottom of the mouse is flashing. If not, the problem could be with the mouse or the bluetooth board in the Mac. Try a different wireless mouse or bluetooth device (borrow one from a friend). If you can't pair that mouse either, then
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