Small Mammal Trapping

(Live Trapping)

Prepared for:
Government of Northwest Territories,
Environment and Natural Resources

Prepared by:
Outcrop Communications
 Small Mammal Trapping
(Live Trapping)
This project involved the preproduction work for a video,
which will be used to instruct field personnel on methods to
be used in conducting a small mammal trapping study. This
section illustrates only the live trap methods, using
Longworth traps. Museum Special trapping is covered
separately.

The following is an outline of scenes, components of scenes,

photo notes, and suggested script notes. We have not
attempted to provide a precise script as some of the methods
are still in question, and because a qualified biologist will be
able to describe this from his/her own knowledge in a way
much less stilted than using a script. It is best to avoid
reading the script notes but to use them as a guide.

We have more or less used the term “mouse” for all small
mammals, but these could be voles, mice, shrews, or
lemmings.

Because the preproduction work on this project was done in

March, we were unable to obtain the same type of photos as
will be obtainable in August, due to deep snow. Where snow
made photos impossible, we have included notes as to what
will be included. Some summer photos were contributed by
different scientists, so these were used where appropriate.

Video
Photo of masked shrew with title: Small Mammal Survey
(Live Trapping).
Follow with a series of still photos of other small mammals
including southern and northern red-backed voles, brown
lemming, collared lemming, deer mouse and a couple of
shrews, just to show people the variety of possibilities.

Script notes
Small mammals play a keystone role in northern
ecosystems and are major prey species for foxes, martens,
other carnivores, and for raptors. Fluctuations in the
populations of small mammals are reflected by cyclic
changes in the abundance of their predators.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 This study is designed to help monitor changes in density
indices for small mammals including mice, voles, lemmings,
and, to some extent, shrews in several areas in the NWT,
and in typical habitat types. It is hoped that studies of this
type can assist in predicting furbearer abundance and to
detect links between small mammal population fluctuations
and the breeding success of other animals.
The goal of this study is to achieve 500 “trap nights” every
year. A “trap night” is one trap set for one night. This can be
achieved by running 50 traps for 10 nights, or 100 traps for
5 nights. The study will be run in August.
This study will likely last over 10 years, and is designed to
enable us to collect as much information as possible on
small mammals without removing animals from the
population. The small mammals caught in the live traps will
not be collected, but will be measured, marked, and
released.
It is possible that the individual animals may become “trap
happy” and will visit the traps multiple times, if they
perceive the traps as a reliable food source. We will be able
to identify animals recaptured in a season, as they will be
marked, likely by clipping a pattern in their fur.
This video will help you learn how to handle and set
Longworth live traps, how to prepare bait, set up and mark
transect traplines, establish trap locations, set traps in the
field, remove small mammals from the traps, and handle,
mark, and release those animals.
This is a very detailed study, so you may need to watch the
video several times to learn all the techniques involved.
This study works best with two field technicians, rather than
one. It is difficult for one person to handle and measure the
small mammals alone.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 1) Trap preparation and operation (in lab):
• Type of traps to be used: Longworth live traps.

Video
Close-up of Longworth trap. (Not much can be seen when
this trap is triggered, so it might be best to film a trap
being assembled, rather than triggered.)

Script notes
The Longworth trap is a live trap that does not kill. It
consists of two sections, a main section with a bedding
chamber, and a tunnel that leads into the nest chamber.

For storage, the tunnel is rotated 90o and inserted into the
bedding chamber. To set the trap up, pull the tunnel out,
rotate it so the ridges are up, and insert it into the larger
chamber.
The rear chamber is furnished with soft bedding, food, and
a water source, and the tunnel leads into this space.

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 • How to clean (brush off, flick off any peanut butter, wash
in plain water using scrub brush if really dirty)

Video
Cleaning traps with brush and water, attaching wires and
flagging tape to traps.

Script notes
If traps are really dirty, clean them with a brush and clean
water. Do not use soap or bleach. Allow to dry on a clean
surface.

Attach about 40 cm of snare wire and flag each trap with

flagging tape near where the wire is attached. This is to
make it easier to find the trap if a predator manages to
carry it off.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 • Bait and bedding

Video
Peanut butter “sandwiches”, wool bedding and potato (or
apple) for water.

Script notes
Bait is made up of small “sandwiches” of crackers and
peanut butter. It’s easiest to use a Ritz product that is tiny
crackers with peanut butter in between. A piece of potato or
apple is also placed in the trap to provide water. Sheep’s
wool works well for bedding and insulates even when wet.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 • Practice handling and setting the Longworth trap.

Video
Longworth trap with bedding and food in place; trap set.

Script notes
Longworth trap is a live trap, which has an entrance tunnel
plus space in back for bedding and bait. The Ritz mini-
crackers with peanut butter filling make ideal bait as the
crackers keep the peanut butter from getting on the
bedding and are entirely edible.

To set the Longworth trap, lift the pointed bar and insert the
tunnel into the larger chamber and push it in until the roof
partition drops down and engages the flap on the tunnel.
The pointed bar should then fit neatly into the ridges on the
top of the tunnel portion of the trap.
Then, simply push the door in until you feel it click into
place. Door should remain open when you remove your
hand.

• Preparing materials for measuring mammals: scale, small

ruler (cut ends off parallel to last mark so you can get
exact measurements).

Video
Equipment laid out, including trap, small pesola scale,
bags (Zip-loc and fabric), ruler, clipboard or notebook,
pencil, small metal tag and flagging tape to identify
trapline. Extra bait, extra water source (slice of potato or
apple), extra dry bedding. Close-up of ruler with end cut
off, or process of cutting end off ruler. Practice pacing.

Script notes
You’ll need this equipment to be able to weigh and
measure your catch. Metal tag and flagging tape identifies
the transect line, bags are used to hold/handle the small
mammals, ruler to take measurements. A clipboard or
notebook makes it easier to record data on the data sheet.
Use a pencil instead of a pen, as it is permanent.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 Cut off the end of the ruler, so the metric scale is right at
the end. This enables you to drape the tail of the mouse
over it to get tail length, and to insert it in the ear to get ear
length.

If you do not have a hip chain measuring device, you will

need to pace off your transect lines. In a practice area, like
a ball field, measure off 50 meters and mark both ends.
Then, walk this line three times, counting your steps.
Average the number of paces it takes to go 50 meters, and
the number of paces you take in 50 m will become your
“ruler” for determining the location of the trap sets 50 m
apart.
If you do have a hip chain device, make sure the counter is
set to “0” and that there is plenty of thread in the unit before
going into the field.

2) Locating traplines
• Selecting location for pairs of lines (near office, etc.)

Video
Pan across general bush habitat.

Script notes
Select the location for your traplines in a place with typical
habitat for your area. This place needs to be accessible
from your office by a short vehicle ride. The area should not
be on a list for any kind of development during the next 10
years.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 • Marking start of the transect, measuring, establishing
trap locations along a line.
• GPS use to identify start and finish of line.

Video
Sample of aluminum tag.
Tying metal tag and flagging tape to tree (three flags).
Use of GPS to identify beginning of line.
Habitat photo.
Use of hip chain measuring device.

Script notes
Mark the start of the transect with a small aluminum tag
fastened to a nail in a tree or follow locally recommended
methods of marking the transect. This may vary in different
areas of the NWT.

Place three lengths of flagging tape nearby, but not right at

the tag. This flagging tape may need to be replaced each
year, as it fades and may fall off.

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 Use GPS unit to get coordinates for the start and finish of
the line. Record these on the data sheet.
Take a photo of the area.

Use hip chain measuring device or pacing to measure off

10 m. to the first trap set. Make sure the counter on the hip
chain device is set to “0” before starting.
If you do not have a hip chain unit, then measure by
pacing.
It is best if the trap site is not at the beginning of the line.
Mark the trap location with two flags of flagging tape.

3) Habitat descriptions:
• Use of habitat forms: kind of info,

Video
Filling out habitat forms.

Script notes
Standing in the line, complete the habitat description using
forms provided by ENR.

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 4) Setting traps
• Locating traps in pairs along the lines

Video
Person holding trap.

Script notes
Traps will be set in pairs about 1 m apart, at 10 meter
intervals along the transect (10 m between trap locations).
Set your first traps 10 m from the beginning of the line so
they are not right at the start. There is less chance of
disturbance that way.
• Establishing best location for each trap:
(This photography is being done in winter, so it’s impossible
to compare with summer habitat. The difficult thing is to
illustrate how to locate each trap. See written suggestion
below. In the video, this will be properly filmed.)
Example: Look for “runs” along ground and along the base
of logs or on logs. Look for activity spots at the base of trees,
gnawed bark, or any scats, pressed down grass, burrows or
holes in vegetation.
Examine the general area for latrines (piles of scats) or grass
nests, flattened vegetation, etc.
Place traps with the open mouth right in the run or at right
angles to the run with the mouth just at the edge. Sometimes
mice are not caught with bait, but because they run into the
trap.
Live traps work better if you are able to set them in a baited
condition with the doors wired open for several days before
beginning the study.

Video
Close-up video of general possible trap location.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 Script notes
In summer, look for places a small mammal would use.
Look for runs along ground and along the base of logs or
on logs. Also check for activity spots at the base of trees,
gnawed bark, any scats or latrine areas, pressed down
grass, burrows or holes in vegetation.
Make sure the entrance of the Longworth trap is right in the
run. The tunnel can be angled to adapt to the.

Summer, video of forest floor

showing possible trap locations

• Marking trap locations, use of flagging tape over trap

location.

Video
Tying flagging tape to branch above trap location.

Script notes
Mark each trap location by tying two flags of flagging tape
to a branch over the trap. Try to keep these at least a meter
away from the traps.

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 • Securing traps with wires (wire to tree, or branch)

Video
Securing trap with wire, flagging trap.

Script notes
Fasten each trap with wire to prevent predators from
carrying it away. Each trap should be marked with flagging
tape at the wire attachment. Tuck this tape under the trap
when setting it. It is there to make the trap easier to find if a
predator moves it.

• Setting trap (same technique as practiced in lab)

Video
Trap baited and set in the field.

Script notes
Follow the same procedures you practiced in the lab, being
careful, as there is more vegetation to interfere with the
working of the trap.
Try not to remove vegetation, but try to set trap where the
vegetation will not touch any moving parts or interfere with
the closing of the trap.
During the summer, if you are working in an area without
deep shade, you will need to provide shade for the trap. You
can heap moss over the trap, and then wet the moss down
to keep the trap cool. Or, you can construct “shades” from
shingles or lightweight boards. (Some shingles can be bent
in the centre and placed over the trap like a tent, to shade it.)

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 5) Checking traps:
• When to check (early am, avoid rain if possible by going
out earlier).
• What you will need to take with you in the field (Zip-loc
bags, field labels, pencils, data sheet, mammal guide, cloth
bag and plastic ruler).
• How to check: visual examination of area, follow wire.
• Use of data sheet and field labels.
• How to identify small mammals.
• How and where to record any indications of predators
robbing traps, etc. (Shrews and weasels will take mice
from traps; other mice will sometimes feed on them as
well.)
• Record all “misfires”, (no bait left, trap sprung, trap
gone, trap refuses to snap if touched with stick, trap with
animal other than a small mammal)

Video
Equipment needed for live trapping, technician with all
equipment needed inc. clipboard, hip chain device, bait,
bag, ruler, plywood square, data sheets, Zip-loc bags,
gloves (lightweight gardening variety), etc..

Script notes
Check carefully to see that you have all needed equipment
before setting out. It’s easiest to carry all gear in a small
backpack. If you are not experienced at handling small
mammals, it may help to take along a square of plywood to
provide a firm surface on which to work.
Also, bring along a small first aid kit. Make sure your kit
contains betadine iodine swabs or antiseptic for use if you
get nipped.
Check your traps as early as possible in the morning as
most small mammals are active in the darker hours. They
are also very sensitive to heat, so survival rates will be
higher if you check them early. 6 AM is ideal.
If the weather is very hot, close your traps during the day
and reset them (replenishing the water source) about 7 PM,
operating them only during the cooler hours. Or, check
them twice a day.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 If the weather is unbearably hot, abort the check for the
following night and spring all traps, leaving them sprung
overnight or until the heat wave passes, then resume
trapping.
Walk into your transect until you see the two flags, and then
scan for the traps. Try not to step on the trap, but check to
see if the door is shut. If so, you may have been
successful.
If door is still open, check to see that the bait and potato is
still in place. Record any indications of “misfires” including
predators robbing traps, bait removed, but trap still set, trap
sprung, trap gone, or something other than a small
mammal in the trap.
If the door is shut, there’s a good chance you have caught
something. Take care when handling the trap, and ensure
that the tunnel remains firmly in the bedding chamber until
you are ready to take the animal out.

6) Removal of mammal from trap:

• When you are using live traps the animal is not dead and
will be marked and released.
- Use of cloth bags to handle animals.
- How to get animal out of trap using bag

Video
Sequence of whole procedure, putting bag on trap, sealing
off all escape routes, then removal of tunnel from trap
using bag.
Video of removal of animal and bedding from trap, using
bag.

Script notes
Use bag to remove animal from trap and handle it. Put the
bag on the trap and seal off all escape routes. You have to
get the “tunnel” out of the trap first, so put bag on the trap,
seal off all escapes, locate the tunnel and pull it out and
into bag.
Close off entrance to trap by tilting trap forward onto bag,
or blocking entrance with your hand (outside the bag),
keeping mouse and bedding in the trap.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 An alternate method preferred by some researchers is to
use a deep plastic bucket such as those containing bulk
items like detergent, to simply dump the trap and mouse
carefully into the bucket and remove it with a gloved hand.
Check to see if mouse is in tunnel (shake it through the bag
or peek in). Work tunnel out of bag alongside the bedding
chamber, keeping entrance to bedding chamber sealed.
Then seal the bag around the trap and shake animal and
bedding into the bag.

7) Handling mammal for measurement, etc.

• How to use cloth bag to grip animal by nape of neck, flip
bag inside out, hold mammal over rest of bag, take
measurements.
• Species identification of live-trapped mammals in the
field. (Use of guides to identify, what to look for, what
species to expect.)
• How to handle animals by different methods, using Zip-
loc bag, or plastic bucket.

Video
Sequence of locating animal in bag, catching it, and
handling animal using bag to help hold it.
Sequence of measuring small mammal.
Marking small mammal.
Alternative methods of small mammal handling, using Zip-
loc bag and using plastic bucket.

Script notes
Working from the outside of the bag, feel around and locate
the animal. Working through the bag, grasp of the animal
by the back of the neck with your left hand.

Flip the bag back over your hand, and work on the animal
with it held firmly in your left hand. If you do this right, if the
animal gets away, it has a good chance of falling into the
bag, and may not be lost.
Measuring live small mammals requires two people. One
simply cannot do it alone.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 To handle the mouse, grip mouse by the nape of the neck
and hold the tip of the tail with the other hand.
The second technician holds the ruler and may hold the tail
or leg to measure the hind foot. Measure total length,
length of tail, length of hind foot, length of ear from notch.

Identify species, sex if possible, and if female, note whether

lactating or not, or if it seems to be pregnant.
Check for warble fly larvae. If they are present, they are
usually readily visible as a lump in the inguinal area. If
present, record on data sheet.
If you plan to mark the small mammal, then do the marking
now.

There are a couple alternative methods that could be used.

You can use a clear Zip-loc bag. Use the largest one in the
heaviest grade plastic you can get as you will need to
manipulate the tunnel out of the bag while keeping the
mouse in the bag. Mineral sample bags will also work, but
you will have to be careful not to lose the mouse as you
can’t quickly seal the bag. If you use a clear bag, measure
the mouse while it is in the bag.
You can use a bucket. Get the tall white kind that are used
by many restaurants. Must be at least 18” deep or the more
athletic mice can jump out. They may still run up your arm,
so be prepared. You will need to use gloves, light leather
gloves or ordinary gardening gloves.
Working down in the bucket, remove the tunnel from the
trap and shake the mouse into the bucket. Capture it with
Video sequence of marking animal, your gloved hand. If you can catch the mouse and hide its
method to be determinated. head in a crease in the glove, where it cannot see out, the
mouse will be easier to handle.
(Actual method of marking has not yet been worked out; may
be marking with felt tip marker on head, or by clipping a bit
of fur from the haunch.)

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 8) Completing field forms
• One technician holds the animal and other fills out forms.

Video
Sequence of one person holding animal and other
measuring and then filling out form. The “handler” keeps
holding onto the animal and can’t fill out forms.

Script notes
It is best to organize yourselves so one person does all the
handling and the other measures and records data.

9) Weighing the small mammal.

• Weigh Zip-loc bag empty, so you can subtract weight of
bag. Make sure bag is dry as water can add weight.
• Weighing live-trapped mammals.

Video
Sequence of weighing empty Zip-loc bag, transfer of
animal to Zip-loc bag for weighing, then weighing animal in
bag with Pesola scale. If using plastic bucket, show
transfer of animal from glove to small Zip-loc bag and
weighing, then weighing empty bag.

Script notes
Prior to starting fieldwork, be sure to weigh the empty
Zip-loc bag so you have a base weight. You will subtract
this weight from the total weight of mouse and bag.
When done with all measurements/marking, put the plastic
Zip-loc bag around mouse and shake it down into the Zip-
loc bag. If you already have the mouse in a Zip-loc bag you
can weigh it in this bag.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 Seal bag, hang bag from Pesola scale, weigh mouse
quickly, and release.

Don’t forget to subtract the weight of the empty bag from

the total weight to get the weight of the critter.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 10) Recording data

Video
Writing on field form on clipboard.

Script notes
The second technician will record information on the field
form, including species of mammal, immature or mature,
sex, whether lactating, and any field measurements
wanted.
If you catch a small mammal that is already marked, this is
a recapture. Be sure to note this on your field form. Process
the animal as usual, and add another mark. Sometimes
individuals will be caught multiple times.

11) How to release mammal

• Weigh in clear Zip-loc bag or by an alternate method.
• Put bag on ground and open seal, shake mouse out of bag
or let it run out.

Video
Animal in Zip-loc bag, bag conveyed to ground, and
opened.

Script notes
Keep animal in plastic bag only a short time. When ready to
release, just put bag on ground and open the seal.
Let it run out, or dump it gently onto the ground.
Check field form to see that you completed all sections,
add any anecdotal information, and go on to the next set.
If you find any small mammal dead in a trap, proceed as for
the snap trap project, make out a field label, identify the
animal, and seal it in a Zip-loc bag along with the field
label. Freeze it as soon as possible.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)
 12) Continue on to the next trap
and then to other transect

Video
Team packing gear, leaving one set and continuing on to
the next.

Script notes
Pack your gear, make sure you have everything, and
continue on to the next trap station.

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Small Mammal Trapping (Live Trapping)