TRAPPING DEERMICE: EFFECTS OF TRAP TYPE ON CAPTURE AND RECAPTURE SUCCESS IN SAGEBRUSH HABITAT

To capture individuals in the field, small mammal researchers employ live-trapping, which can be influenced by trap type. Past studies of trap type on capture or recapture success revealed evidence of species- and habitat-specific biases. Therefore, to increase live-trapping success, we need more studies that examine effects of trap type on capture and recapture success of various species across different habitats. North American Deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are extensively used in ecological research, and, to our knowledge, no study has investigated trap type effects on Deermice in sagebrush habitat. Therefore, we examined the effects of trap type (Longworth and Sherman) on capture and recapture success of Deermice in sagebrush habitat of Montana during the summer season. We found that trap type did not influence capture or recapture success of any demographic class of Deermice. Therefore, Longworth and Sherman traps have similar capture and recapture success of Deermice, at least in sagebrush habitat during the summer. In conclusion, we recommend that researchers continue to examine how trap type may influence capture or recapture success so we can learn how to best maximize captures across species and habitats.