WEB-047A: The objective of this webinar is to familiarize the audience with the natural history and normal behaviors of the domesticated house mouse and its wild counterpart so that the appropriate measures can be implemented to alleviate stress and provide biologically relevant enrichments in their captive environment.
Wild rodent behavior is rich, complex, and fascinating. Yet the casual observer of laboratory rodent behavior will only see a fraction of the breadth and complexity of behavior seen in the wild. This session will introduce the audience to the range and adaptability of normal behavior in wild mice, and the central role of behavior in adapting to harsh environments. We will discuss the impact of modern mouse husbandry on behavior, the limitations this places on mice's ability to cope with the stress of captivity, and enrichment as a means of facilitation coping behaviors. Ultimately, we will use this perspective to assess mouse housing and enrichment from the mouse's point of view. Consequences for well-being will be explored, and particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of behavior in properly assessing the effectiveness and impact of enrichments before they are implemented. Further examples of normal and abnormal mouse behavior, including video clips, and observational protocols, can be found at www.mousebehavior.org.
AALAS CEUs: You can apply for up to 1.5 CEUs for the Technician Certification Registry or CMAR recertification. Please use the forms on the AALAS website or online CEU submission.
To view the recording: Once you purchase the product, a link is added to your "My Profile" page on the AALAS website. You will see a menu on the left side of the page. Select "Digital Content Access." There are three files available to download: the instructions, the handout, and a CEU certificate to keep as a record of viewing the recording to earn AALAS CEUs.
Sharing the recording access: Access is granted for a minimum of 90 days but may be extended as long as a year from the date of the live event. You may distribute the recording link via email to your staff. Posting this link or any of the webinar's content on a web page or distribution of these materials by other means to the public is not permitted.