Small Mammal Trapping
Summary: We will capture rodents (mice and rats) at Coal Oil Point UC Reserve to
observe ectoparasite load using Sherman Traps. Sherman Traps facilitate live mammal
trapping in a safe environments for small mammals. Captured animals will be identified,
measured, and anesthetized for determining ectoparasite presence. An ear punch will
be taken for disease analysis using PCR. By determining parasite presence in small
mammal species, we are able to better understand our surrounding Coal Oil ecosystem.
Benefits:
-Discover small mammal species present in Coal Oil
-Assess ectoparasite presence in small mammal populations
-Allows for tissue collection for viral pathogens
-Monitor population to discover effect of Lyme disease
Limitations:
Laws and regulations
-Federal and State Laws
-Land use
-License for use of sedatives or anesthetics
-Cannot impact endangered or threatened species of concern
Disease
-Transport disease between animals and humans
-Wear gloves and prevent scratches and bites
-i.e. Hantavirus in dust  proper handling
-i.e. Raccoon roundworm in feces  watch where you step
Time
-For live trapping, animals should be in traps for <12 hours
-Animals should be out of traps before the end of the morning to prevent
overheating
Considerations:
 Time
-Set up traps when mammals are likely to be foraging
-Traps should be set up after sunset when capturing nocturnal animals
 Animal Dietary Needs
-Enough food and possibly water if extended time
 Weather
-Adequate insulation and ventilation
-Avoid extreme temperatures
-Provide shade if temperature/sun is relevant
 Equipment

-Sherman traps
-Bate (peanut butter and oats)
-30 labeled Sherman Traps
-Gloves
-California mammal field guide
Safety
-Don’t breathe in trap dust (Hantavirus)
-Wear gloves; avoid scratches and bites
-Check yourself for ticks
Data:
Species:
 Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)
-Large beady eyes
-Fur varies in color (white to black)
-White underside and white foot
 White footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus)
-Shorter tail than deer mouse; bicolored
-White underside and white foot
-Fur upperpart body pale to rich reddish brown
 Other small mice/rats (refer to California mammal field guide)
Gender:
Probable Age:
Total length (mm):
Tail length (mm):
Ear length (mm):
Hind foot length (mm):
Weight (kg):
Alternative Techniques:
1. Kill Traps
-Used to obtain dead animals that are intended to be taken back to lab
-Consider traps that are efficient//fast to minimize animal pain
-ex: Pitfall, Rat Trap
2. Acoustic Survey Transect – Ultrasound Detector
-Monitor multiple species simultaneously via mobile transect. The detector is
pointed straight up from the roof of the car. Usually methods are done where a
distance of approximately 30 miles is routed and followed driving at 20 mph to
reduce the chance of bats being detected more than once and maximize data
gained. A GPS guides on the route and allows for the route to be repeatable to
survey data throughout the year (1-3 times a season).
3. Visual Data- Still/Video Camera
-Obtain images of animals in their habitat