Poster Displaying the Studied Relationship Between Small Mammal Behavior and Urban Greenspace Environments

Abstract

My objective was to explore how the structure of the built environment—including the commonality and plan of sidewalks, playgrounds, and other gathering spaces, and the coordinated habits of use by individuals in these spaces—impacts displayed animal behavior. I researched the parallels between maintained patterns of human use and activity through specific structures and the capability animals may have to predict and respond to this activity. To do this, the study included both the capture and analysis of four free-living mammal species, at field-sites within the Twin Cities area. Animals were captured on the University of Minnesota campus, other local parks and golf courses, and the University of Minnesota Cedar Creek Field Station. These locations have varying degrees of human-constructed structures within the green space, but all are impacted by human habitation, through litter, usage, and environmental factors.