George O. Hendrickson

Winter and Spring Habits of Weasels in Central Iowa

During the winter and spring, 1939, an investigation was carried on near Ames, Iowa, in an attempt to determine on a limited acreage the population, predation, and habits of the longtailedweasel (Mustelafrenata). (Plate7). The observational area of 160 acres is typical of Iowa farm land in the region covered by the Wisconsin glaciation. About 60 acres were in cornfields, 30 in dat stubble, 28 in sweet clover meadow, 15 in soy bean stubble, 21.5 in bluegrass pasture, and 5.5 acres in an undisturbed weed patch and slough. The inventory method used was following all tracks made during a single night immediately after a snowfall and determining the cruising radius oi each weasel.

A Door Catch for the Wooden Box Trap

Many who have used wooden box traps of the swinging door type have experienced difficulty from trap predation. In a recent field study of the Mearns cottontail four types of catches were used to hold the door closed. One of these catches proved very satisfactory. In three instances predators unsuccessfully attempted to enter the trap. One of the traps was moved end over end for 27 feet and the rabbit