Radiotracking and The Spatial Anaylsis of White-footed Mice (Peromyscus leucopus), in Suburban Maryland Parks.

Abstract

Tick-borne disease transmission has been steadily increasing in the United States. This is a major concern in suburban and urban areas, where wildlife and humans frequently share space. White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are studied for their role as a host for ticks and a reservoir tick-borne disease. New advances in the ability to track mice give much-needed insight into their space use and the use and efficiency of baited tick treatments. The major objectives of this thesis were to: 1) document suburban mouse collaring, tracking, and comparisons of three available triangulation programs and 2) calculate basic population demographics, home ranges, movement patterns, and land use of mice in three parks in Howard County, Maryland. The applied goal of this research was to aid in the future management of mice and tick-borne diseases as it pertains to the best placement for baited treatment.