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- Info
Responses of urban deer and perceptions of residents to a 50% reduction in local herd density
| Author: |
Henderson, D.W. |
| Date: |
1998 |
| Periodical: |
Thesis submitted to Graduate Faculty of the University of Georgia |
| Abstract: |
White tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)-human conflicts are increasing in urban and suburban areas across the nation. Removal of deer is often proposed as the solution to these conflicts. However, no information is currently available on the responses of urban deer to a herd reduction. We used radio telemetry to study the effects of a 50% localized herd reduction by examining the late-winter (January) and early-spring (March) seasonal home range sizes of 21 adult does in 2 areas (1 control, 1 treated) of Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina over 2 years (pre-treatment vs. post-treatment). Because of public opposition to lethal control, most deer (N=40) were removed by live-capture, transport, and confinement. Home range sizes were compared using a repeated measure ANOVA. The analysis revealed significant (P=0.006) seasonal differences existed in home range size. January home range sizes were larger than March home range sizes for deer in both areas and in both years. The analysis also indicated that, within seasons, home range sizes between the treated and control areas were not different (P = 0.17) in 1966 (pre-treatment), but were different (P = 0.008) in 1997 (post-treatment). The seasonal home range sizes for the adult does in the treated area increased an average of 30%, whereas home ranges for does in the control area remained relatively unchanged. Urban deer managers should consider that the potential exists for increased home range sizes following a deer removal program. |
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