1997-06-13_REPORT - M1981302 (18)

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a series of short chirps, a sound similar to a cloth being rubbed across damp glass, and a clucking noise when individuals were excited (Whitaker 1972). Several Z. hudsonius (prebler) were observed to make highly agitated squeaks in close proximity to one another (Jones and Jones 1985). A drumming noise was observed when one animal vibrated its tail rapidly against a surface (Whitaker 1972). 3. Activity period- Quimby (1951) determined that all records including trapping, field observations and observations of captives indicate that Z. hudsonius ate mostly nocturnal. Almost all daylight activity of captives occurred on cloudy, damp days and consisted of feeding and moving about Similarly,nocturnal activity seemed to be greater on cloudy,damp nights. Ordinarily they remained in their quarters during the day, seldom venturing out until after dark. 4. Hibernation-The hibernating ability of Z. hudsonius is well summarized by Whitaker (1972). Z. hudsonius is one of the most profound hibernators, and remains in hibernation as long or longer than most other mammals. The hibernation period probably varies geographically. In Minnesota, 8 of 19 mice entered hibernation between September 17 and October 1, whereas the remainder had shown no sign of hibernating by this date. All of the early hibernators were adults, Seven that had shown no tendency for hibernation by October 1 had entered hibernation by October 16. In both groups the greatest weight gains were during the two weeks just prior to hibernation. About 67% of a New York population studied disappeared during the winter, and began hibernation by about October 20. Fat production begins in central New York around September 1, and continues until all animals have disappeared. The animals that reach adult size and have time to accumulate fat are the animals that survive hibernation. Z. hudsonius apparently emerges from hibernation in the last week of April or the first week in May in New York and Minnesota. Males generally precede females. The species usually hibernates in solitary, underground nests, but has been observed in pairs. B. Intraspecific- Quimby (1951) noted [hat Z. hudsonius is most likely solitary, as evidenced by only one instance of capturing two individuals in one live-imp, and 431 single catches. Caged individuals, regardless of sex, age class, or number in the cage, did not act antagonistically with one another. In most instances all residents occupied the same retreat and new additions were accepted. One exception occurred,however,when two recently captured adult males were placed in the same cage during May soon after emergence. One was definitely hostile towards the other, and would bite or anempt to bite the other on the rump. It is suspected that the one bit off about one inch from the other's tail. The only other evidence of antagonistic inuaspecific behavior was observed by Jones and Jones (1985). They observed several Z. hudsonius (preblet) jumping into the air and squeaking, in close proximity to one another (i.e., less than one foot). This activity was centered around a solitary, low shrub on the edge of a wet depression. The bounds of the mice were reportedly about 60 cm long and 45 cm above the ground. The mice disappeared upon close approach of the observers. Fmtl S+ SLy pi o SM r�