Mortality of Deer Mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, in Wire Mesh Live-Traps: A Cautionary Note

Authors

  • Thomas S. Jung Yukon Department of Environment, Box 2703, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
  • Kieran S. O'Donovan 308A Klukshu Boulevard, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 3Y1

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v119i3.160

Keywords:

mortality, Deer Mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, Live-trapping, Yukon

Abstract

Live-capture of animals occasionally results in the death of some individuals. Here, we report upon an unusual occurrence of trap-related mortality observed in Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) captured in wire mesh live-traps during field sampling in southeastern Yukon. Eight of 85 marked individuals (9.4%) were found with their snouts caught in the wire mesh of our live-traps; four of these individuals were found dead. We suggest a modification to Ugglan live-traps that would likely decrease such incidents.

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Issue

Vol. 119 No. 3 (2005)

Section

Notes

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