Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2004, Biological Sciences (Arts and Sciences)

Animal populations regularly encounter the challenges of disturbance. Sources of disturbance can be natural or anthropogenic. Anthropogenic disturbance has altered forest composition and structure. One result of this change is an increase in the population of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ). Deer browsing further alters forest characteristics. Forest alterations and management have ramifications on forest animals. However, there has been little emphasis on the consequences of these actions on the community and dynamics of forest mammal species such as the eastern chipmunk ( Tamias striatus ) and Peromyscus species. Small mammal species were censused in Southeast Ohio in 2003. Trapping occurred within four different areas at both Zaleski State Forest and Raccoon Ecological Management Area. Traps were located inside and outside deer exclosures. Small mammals captured inside and outside deer exclosures did not differ in mass, but did differ in reproductive condition. In addition, sex ratios differed inside and outside exclosures.

Committee: Donald Miles (Advisor) Subjects: