Small Mammal Diversity Within Communities In and Around Itasca State Park

Abstract

Itasca State Park in north-central MN is home to many species of mammals of all sizes (Travel Wizard). We as a class set up to find out some population dynamics of these small animals and came up with some useful information. Some questions we considered were; are forests or are prairies more diversified regarding small mammals? Are there any common species in both prairie and forests, if so why, or why not? My predictions were that we would not find the same species in both areas. Originally when we set out I was unknowledgeable on what exactly we would trap, mostly due to lack of experience. Looking back now on the data we have accumulated, it makes sense. The animals we caught in prairie habitats are usually found in those habitats, same for forest habitats (Hazard 1982).