Abstract
Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were trapped in the immediate area of Love Canal (I), in an area very close to Love Canal (II), and in a reference area (III) about one km from Love Canal. The population densities were low in I, intermediate in II, and high in III. Using ages estimated on the basis of dry lens weights, mean life expectancy from weaning was 23.6 days in I, 29.2 days in II, and 48.8 days in III. Survivorship curves had significantly steeper slopes in I and II than in III. Thus, voles in I and II experienced a higher mortality rate than those in III. Liver and adrenal weights in females and seminal vesicle weights in males were significantly reduced in I compared to III. A fat pool from voles from I and II contained hexachlorocyclohexane and other chlorinated hydrocarbons that were not found in voles from III. These results suggest that relatively sedentary small native mammals may be of use in assessing environments with hazardous contamination.
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