[lurquer]

But, that's incorrect. The safest place for a small mammal to be is where humans live. Humans do not tolerate large predators in their environment. In my semi-urban neighborhood, we have huge herds of deer lounging around all the front yards. Why? Easy food. And, a neighborhood full of very clever primates who have eradicated all the Bears, wolves, badgers, etc. PLUS these clever primates have domesticated dogs that chase off coyotes but, generally, leave the deer alone.

I suspect you can find more wildlife per square mile in a rural neighborhood than you could in true wilderness.