An Experimental Comparison of Screech Owl Predation on Resident and Transient White-Footed Mice (Peromyscus leucopus)

Abstract

The relative intensity of screech owl predation on resident and transient white-footed mice was determined in a laboratory situation. Pairs of mice were exposed to the owl for 2–30 min. One of each pair had spent several days preceding the experiment in the test environment (resident), and the other had no prior experience there (transient). A significant difference in predation rates was demonstrated, transient mice being taken more frequently than residents. These results support the idea that possession of a familiar home range confers a considerable advantage since transient mice are subject to greater danger from predation.