The Influence of Weather on Rodent Activity

Abstract

We measured the activity of Peromyscus maniculatus, Clethrionomys gapperi, and Napaeozapus insignis using a sand transect in a forest in Quebec. Activity on each of 651 summer nights over 8 years was compared to the weather of each night. All three rodents were most active on rainy and on warm nights. C. gapperi and N. insignis showed increased activity on cloudy and moonless nights and when rain had not fallen for several nights. C. gapperi also increased activity with increased humidity. Variation in activity due to weather was slight and more likely associated with predator avoidance than with physiological restrictions.