Behavior of Salt-Marsh Microtus during Winter High Tides

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Abstract
The populations of Microtus californicus inhabiting the salt marshes of the San Francisco Bay region are subjected to daily high tides but extremely high tides, which completely submerge most vegetation and thus force mice from cover, are encountered only in winter. The mice are in considerable danger from both drowning and avian predation at this time. During these high tides, mice hide in what emergent vegetation remains, swimming freely on the water surface as little as possible. However, swimming and diving abilities are well developed. Evidence presented shows that Microtus usually remain on their home ranges during and after these very high tides, and it is concluded that only the rare, combined effects of wind, rain, and the several factors that produce high tides will displace a population, or reduce its size, to any great extent.

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