Small Mammals Associated with Roadside Litter in Payne Co. Oklahoma

Abstract

In this experiment, we observed vegetation patterns, weather conditions, and physical aspects of the types of litter in which small mammals were found along a one-mile long segment of Highway 177 between 32^nd and 44^th streets. Tabby Gunnars investigated the relationship between the occurrence of small mammals in litter and vegetation patterns. Kalyn Dealy monitored weather data available through Mesonet in relation to occurrence of small mammals in litter. Courtney Manly measured sizes, shapes, and colors of bottles, cans, and other containers and the material (plastic, glass, metal, paper) and compared which types of containers were used by small mammals and compared that to containers that were not used.  We did not find any remains in roadside litter in four sampling periods, but we did find nesting material in one cardboard box and in one aluminum can.