Evaluating White-Footed Mice Ectoparasite Composition in Schmeeckle Reserve
Wildlife Ecology and Management Holly Gilchrist
Taylor Broge (Not Pictured)
Katelyn Sinkovec (Not Pictured)
Meredith Myers Wildlife Ecology and Management
Vaughn Gerrits Wildlife Ecology and Management
Cherish Zimmermann
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Wildlife Ecology and Management
White-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus ) are an ecologically important species found in high numbers throughout Wisconsin. They are major prey items and crucial for seed dispersal in forest and meadow ecosystems. Their high spatial distribution and large populations lead them to become ideal hosts for many ectoparasite species. This is significant as white-footed mice are known reservoirs for the Lyme disease causing bacterium, Borrelia burgdorgeri . They also are carriers of hantavirus and are the preferred host for the botfly, Cuterebra fontinella . We wanted to know what ectoparasites white-footed mice are carrying to better understand their role as hosts and possible disease transmitters in a northern hardwood ecosystem. To do this, we set 25 Sherman traps in an oak-savanna habitat from September to October in 2024 and 2025. Traps were checked twice daily at 7am and 7pm. Small mammal captures were tagged, with a unique ID, and visually inspected for parasites. Sex, ear length, and weight were also documented. Overall, we had 258 capture events with 105 total individuals captured. Three parasite types were documented: fleas, botflies, and ticks. 49% of mice had a parasite during at least one capture event. Ticks were the most commonly found parasite, followed by botflies and fleas. However, tick prevalence in Schmeeckle was moderate when compared to previous studies in other parts of the country. In the future we will identify ticks to species, as different ticks carry different pathogens. Populations should also continue to be monitored as they are correlated with Lyme disease outbreaks.
Advisors: Christopher Yahnke, Ph.D
Subject Area: Wildlife
Type: Poster
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Jim and Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium
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