Relative capture efficiency of large and small Sherman live traps

Abstract

In a study of small mammal populations on Assateague Island, Virginia, U.S.A., two species (Microtus pennsylvanicus, Oryzomys pallustris) exhibited a significant preference for large rather than small Sherman live traps. Three smaller species (Cryptotis parva, Mus musculus, Peromyscus leucopus) did not show a significant bias with respect to trap size. Differential effectiveness of large and small traps appeared to be related to size-specific behavioral responses and not to differences in trap sensitivity.