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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Trico: A Novel Repellent For Preventing Deer Damage To Ornamental Shrubs, Paul D. Curtis, Brian C. Eshenaur
Trico: A Novel Repellent For Preventing Deer Damage To Ornamental Shrubs, Paul D. Curtis, Brian C. Eshenaur
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Homeowners whose landscape plants are repeatedly browsed by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; deer) desire repellent products that are effective and long-lasting. We conducted a 12-week trial from January 6 through April 5, 2021 to test the duration and efficacy of a novel deer repellent (Trico®) relative to Plantskydd®, a commonly used deer repellent, and untreated plants. We placed treated and control Japanese yew shrubs (Taxus media ‘Hicksii’) at 4 homeowner sites (Birch Hills Drive, Fairview Crescent, Pinegrove Ave., and St. Paul Blvd.) near Rochester, New York, USA, where we detected deer presence. Yews are frequently eaten …
Nighttime Traffic Volume Predicts Risk Of Deer–Vehicle Collisions, James H. Stickles, Bradley S. Cohen, David A. Osborn, Robert J. Warren, Gino J. D'Angelo, Karl V. Miller
Nighttime Traffic Volume Predicts Risk Of Deer–Vehicle Collisions, James H. Stickles, Bradley S. Cohen, David A. Osborn, Robert J. Warren, Gino J. D'Angelo, Karl V. Miller
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Annually, in the United States, >1 million deer (Odocoileus spp.)–vehicle collisions are reported, resulting in losses of $4.6 billion in vehicle damage and medical expenses. Wildlife and transportation managers require better information about traffic volumes relative to seasonal and diurnal deer movement patterns to appropriately evaluate the risks associated with deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs). We incorporated traffic volume data with DVC data and the movement rates and incidences of road crossings by white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) to evaluate if traffic volume or deer behaviors mediate the incidence of DVCs along a high-volume interstate highway in Morgan County in …
Enhancing Existing Isolated Underpasses With Fencing Reduces Wildlife Crashes And Connects Habitat, Bridget M. Donaldson, Kaitlyn E. M. Elliott
Enhancing Existing Isolated Underpasses With Fencing Reduces Wildlife Crashes And Connects Habitat, Bridget M. Donaldson, Kaitlyn E. M. Elliott
Human–Wildlife Interactions
The impact of wildlife–vehicle collisions on drivers and wildlife populations has been gaining attention in the United States. Given the established success of wildlife crossings with fencing in reducing wildlife crashes and connecting habitat, information is needed on cost-effective means of implementation for departments of transportation. When wildlife crossings are constructed, they are often built into new road projects as a series of 2 or more underpasses and/or overpass structures connected by exclusionary fencing. Given limited transportation budgets and the prevalence of maintenance activities more so than new construction in many states, enhancing existing underpasses on previously constructed roads has …
Intake Of Supplemental Deer Pellets Containing Ground Blueberry Juniper By Wild Pigs, Jessica L. Glasscock, Travis R. Whitney, David G. Hewitt, Susan M. Cooper, Fred C. Bryant, Christina M. Toenjes
Intake Of Supplemental Deer Pellets Containing Ground Blueberry Juniper By Wild Pigs, Jessica L. Glasscock, Travis R. Whitney, David G. Hewitt, Susan M. Cooper, Fred C. Bryant, Christina M. Toenjes
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Supplemental feeding of cervid species such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; deer) is now a common management practice in the United States. Supplemental feeding can be costly and more expensive when supplements are consumed by non-target species such as wild pigs (Sus scrofa; pigs). From May 13 to June 17, 2015, we evaluated the effects of using ground blueberry juniper (Juniperus ashei) or cottonseed (Gossypium spp.) hulls as a roughage ingredient in a supplemental deer pellet to deter pig consumption at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in San Angelo, Texas, USA. We analyzed …
Use Of Roadside Deer Removal To Reduce Deer–Vehicle Collisions, John C. Kilgo, John I. Blake, Tracy E. Grazia, Andy Horcher, Michael Larsen, Thomas Mims, Stanley J. Zarnoch
Use Of Roadside Deer Removal To Reduce Deer–Vehicle Collisions, John C. Kilgo, John I. Blake, Tracy E. Grazia, Andy Horcher, Michael Larsen, Thomas Mims, Stanley J. Zarnoch
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Identification of management tools to reduce the incidence of deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) is important to improve motorist safety. Sharpshooting to reduce white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; deer) along roads has proven successful in urban situations but has not been evaluated in undeveloped areas. We used a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design to evaluate the use of sharpshooting to reduce DVCs along roads on the uninhabited U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, South Carolina, USA, during 2011–2017. We removed 242 deer from 4 treatment roads during 2015 and 2016, with 2-year removal rates per road averaging 5.0 deer/km of road (range …
After Decades Of Suburban Deer Research And Management In The Eastern United States: Where Do We Go From Here?, Paul D. Curtis
After Decades Of Suburban Deer Research And Management In The Eastern United States: Where Do We Go From Here?, Paul D. Curtis
Human–Wildlife Interactions
State wildlife agencies have regulatory authority and oversight over deer (Cervidae) management in the United States. However, increased urban sprawl and overabundant deer populations have created increased human–deer conflicts. Because of the growing controversy surrounding the use of traditional management practices such as regulated hunting in suburban areas in the eastern United States, managers are now using specialized tools and management approaches to reduce deer conflicts in urban areas. However, this has created new challenges as they try to meet the desires of diverse stakeholder groups. Although deer management programs in urban areas differ somewhat in every state, effective management …
Opinion Bridging The Disconnect Between Agencies And Forest Landowners To Manage Deer Impact, David S. Decalesta
Opinion Bridging The Disconnect Between Agencies And Forest Landowners To Manage Deer Impact, David S. Decalesta
Human–Wildlife Interactions
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are managed at 2 levels: by federal, state, or local resource agencies on large, heterogeneous landscapes usually >200 ha; and by individual property owners on smaller (generallyha) and more discrete forestlands. This dichotomy results in a management disconnect: regulations controlling deer hunting (seasons and bag limits) are developed by agencies for landscapes the size of deer management units (DMU) and often are not sufficiently area-specific to meet management needs of individual forest landowners. Resource agencies manage hunters and regulate deer abundance by controlling harvest within DMUs, and they use license and permit fees paid by hunters …
Achieving And Maintaining Sustainable White-Tailed Deer Density With Adaptive Management, David S. Decalesta
Achieving And Maintaining Sustainable White-Tailed Deer Density With Adaptive Management, David S. Decalesta
Human–Wildlife Interactions
A leadership team developed an adaptive management program to reduce deer density and impact on a 29,642-ha forested demonstration area in northwest Pennsylvania incorporating goal setting, monitoring, and communicating with and motivating hunters. We linked reduction of deer density to environmentally sustainable levels with an appeal to the values of hunters (improving deer and habitat quality). The communication program educated and involved hunters as active participants in all phases of the management plan. We monitored deer density, deer impact, deer health, and hunter satisfaction to adjust numbers of permits for harvesting antlerless deer and to improve hunter access and use …
Effects Of Human State Park Visitation Rates On Escape Behavior Of White-Tailed Deer, Nicholas M. Sutton, Edward J. Heske
Effects Of Human State Park Visitation Rates On Escape Behavior Of White-Tailed Deer, Nicholas M. Sutton, Edward J. Heske
Human–Wildlife Interactions
State parks are typically established to preserve natural or native habitats for wildlife while simultaneously providing recreational experiences for humans. However, because of their proximity to urban centers, the level of human visitation associated with state parks may be highly variable. Little information has been published regarding the effect of human visitation levels on wildlife escape behavior in state parks. We evaluated flight initiation distances (FIDs) and buff er distances (i.e., the difference between alert and flight distances) for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; deer) from September 2013 to August 2014 at 3 state parks in east-central Illinois with different human …
Use Of Predator Hair To Enhance Perceived Risk To White-Tailed Deer In A Foraging Context, Thomas W. Seamans, Bradley F. Blackwell, Kimberly E. Linnell
Use Of Predator Hair To Enhance Perceived Risk To White-Tailed Deer In A Foraging Context, Thomas W. Seamans, Bradley F. Blackwell, Kimberly E. Linnell
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Deer react to predator scent in varying degrees even when exposed to unknown predators. This response could be genetically based and maintained as long as the population is exposed to predation. We tested whether predator scent in the form of hair would enhance perceived risk and serve as a foraging repellent to free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). During the winters of 2013 and 2014, we quantified alert behaviors and consumption of whole-kernel corn in response to current (coyote [Canis latrans]) and extirpated (bobcat [Lynx rufus]; black bear [Ursus americanus]) predator species alone …
Evaluating Competing Preferences Of Hunters And Landowners For Management Of Deer Populations, Gino J. D'Angelo, Marrett D. Grund
Evaluating Competing Preferences Of Hunters And Landowners For Management Of Deer Populations, Gino J. D'Angelo, Marrett D. Grund
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Most state wildlife agencies consider public input in the management of whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. In 2013, we surveyed deer hunters (n = 3,600) and landowners (n = 4,604) in southwest Minnesota to gauge their preferences for managing deer. We hypothesized a priori that, irrespective of their perceived impacts of deer, hunters would prefer deer populations to be increased and landowners would prefer deer populations to be decreased. Our findings suggest that defining stakeholder groups according to primary associations with deer (i.e., farming and hunting) accurately categorized differences in tolerance levels for deer populations in …
Methodology For Estimating Deer Browsing Impact, Timothy G. Pierson, David S. Decalesta
Methodology For Estimating Deer Browsing Impact, Timothy G. Pierson, David S. Decalesta
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Because there were no reliable indicators of deer browsing on tree seedling regeneration, we developed methodology that can be used to measure deer browsing impact. We compared 11 years (2002 to 2012) of annual estimates of deer density with coarse (percent-plots-no-regeneration, percent-plots-no-impact) and fine (3 levels of impact on 6 indicator seedling species) indicators within a 29,642-ha study area in northwestern Pennsylvania. Coarse and fine measures met established criteria for indicators of environmental stress (e.g., high deer density); they were predictive of stresses that can be: avoided by management; integrative with causes of stress; responsive to disturbances and changes over …
A Spatially Explicit Model Of The White-Tailed Deer Population In Delaware, Brian Jennings, Jacob L. Bowman, Elizabeth L. Tymkiw
A Spatially Explicit Model Of The White-Tailed Deer Population In Delaware, Brian Jennings, Jacob L. Bowman, Elizabeth L. Tymkiw
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Population models of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are used by many states to predict population levels and aid in making management decisions. Delaware did not have a deer population model, so we developed one and used it to investigate the implications of changes to the harvest. We modeled 7 changes to the harvest regime and compared these changes to the base line of no changes to the harvest regime. We used survival rates, reproductive rates, harvest data, a population estimate, and spotlight counts to construct the model. The model scenario began in February 2006 and ran until August …
Deer-Activated Bioacoustic Frightening Device Deters White-Tailed Deer, Aaron M. Hildreth, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Kurt C. Vercauteren
Deer-Activated Bioacoustic Frightening Device Deters White-Tailed Deer, Aaron M. Hildreth, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Kurt C. Vercauteren
Human–Wildlife Interactions
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) damage urban and suburban plantings, as well as crops and stored feed. We tested the efficacy of a frightening device that played pre-recorded distress calls of adult female white-tailed deer when activated by an infrared motion sensor for a period of 13 days. This deer-activated bioacoustic frightening device reduced deer entry into protected sites by 99% (δ = -558, P = 0.09) and bait consumption by 100% (δ = -75, P = 0.06). The frightening device that we evaluated demonstrated potential for reducing damage in disturbed environments and agricultural settings.
Reliability And Precision Of Pellet-Group Counts For Estimating Landscape-Level Deer Density, David Decalesta
Reliability And Precision Of Pellet-Group Counts For Estimating Landscape-Level Deer Density, David Decalesta
Human–Wildlife Interactions
This study provides hitherto unavailable methodology for reliably and precisely estimating deer density within forested landscapes, enabling quantitative rather than qualitative deer management. Reliability and precision of the deer pellet-group technique were evaluated in 1 small and 2 large forested landscapes. Density estimates, adjusted to reflect deer harvest and overwinter mortality, were compared with a drive count on the small landscape and with aerial counts using forward-looking infrared videography (FLIR) on the large landscapes. Estimates by 2 expert and 2 novice counters (range = 17.6 to 18.6 deer/km2) on the small landscape were not different from each other …
Keys To Managing A Successful Archery Deer Hunt In An Urban Community: A Case Study, Chad M. Stewart, Bruce Keller, Chad R. Williamson
Keys To Managing A Successful Archery Deer Hunt In An Urban Community: A Case Study, Chad M. Stewart, Bruce Keller, Chad R. Williamson
Human–Wildlife Interactions
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations can expand greatly in suburban areas where hunting is limited or prohibited. Incorporating a hunting program for management purposes is often unfeasible due to property parcelization and varying opinions on deer management within each community. We present the case of Hidden Valley Lake, Indiana (707 ha), whose deer population was effectively reduced by archery hunting within a dense human population. Prior to implementing a managed archery program, deer density estimates exceeded 60 deer/km2. After the first year of the managed archery hunt, where 230 deer (~36 deer/km2) were removed, …
The Role, Size, And Effectiveness Of Safety Zones For Creating Refuges For White-Tailed Deer, Jacob L. Bowman
The Role, Size, And Effectiveness Of Safety Zones For Creating Refuges For White-Tailed Deer, Jacob L. Bowman
Human–Wildlife Interactions
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are overabundant in many areas, particularly in more developed landscapes where refuges may provide additional challenges for deer managers. Refuges have been widely used to sustain breeding stock in harvested populations and to mitigate other sources of mortality. As the landscape becomes more urbanized, local municipalities and states have implemented safety zones to reduce the probability of a hunter’s projectile from accidentally striking a building or its inhabitants. I evaluated if mandated safety zones in Delaware may constitute unintentional refuges. I used Delaware’s land-cover data to created buffers (i.e., 46, 91, and 183 m) …
Sterilization As An Alternative Deer Control Technique: A Review, Jason R. Boulanger, Paul D. Curtis, Evan G. Cooch, Anthony J. Denicola
Sterilization As An Alternative Deer Control Technique: A Review, Jason R. Boulanger, Paul D. Curtis, Evan G. Cooch, Anthony J. Denicola
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Burgeoning white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in suburban landscapes continue to impact communities and challenge natural resource managers. Increased deer-related damage to vegetation, ecosystems, and automobiles can exceed the tolerance of local stakeholders. We provide an overview of the potential efficacy of using surgical sterilization to help manage populations and conflicts associated with locally overabundant white-tailed deer populations. We review theoretical and fi eld studies pertaining to deer sterilization, and provide research priorities to help guide future sterilization efforts. Recent fi eld studies suggest that sterilization of female deer remains expensive, at approximately $1,000 per surgery. Sterilization may …
Preference Of White-Tailed Deer For Corn Hybrids And Agricultural Husbandry Practices During The Growing Season, Joshua A. Delger, Kevin L. Monteith, Lowell E. Schmitz, Jonathan A. Jenks
Preference Of White-Tailed Deer For Corn Hybrids And Agricultural Husbandry Practices During The Growing Season, Joshua A. Delger, Kevin L. Monteith, Lowell E. Schmitz, Jonathan A. Jenks
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Damage to field corn (Zea mays) by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can be substantial, resulting in millions of dollars lost annually. Numerous methods exist to minimize deer depredation, but all have met with varying degrees of success. Currently, little information is available on preference of white-tailed deer for corn hybrids during the growing season and how that preference might affect depredation patterns. We used adult female white-tailed deer in captivity to study the effect of herbicide treatments on deer-use (treatment versus no treatment) of corn in 2005 and to document preference among specific corn hybrids in …
Comparison Of Fencing Designs For Excluding Deer From Roadways, Daniel W. Stull, William D. Gulsby, James A. Martin, Gino J. D'Angelo, George R. Gallagher, David A. Osborn, Robert J. Warren, Karl V. Miller
Comparison Of Fencing Designs For Excluding Deer From Roadways, Daniel W. Stull, William D. Gulsby, James A. Martin, Gino J. D'Angelo, George R. Gallagher, David A. Osborn, Robert J. Warren, Karl V. Miller
Human–Wildlife Interactions
We evaluated the efficacy of several fencing designs for restricting movements of 18 captive, female white-tailed deer (Odocoelus virginianus), including standard wovenwire fencing (1.2-m, 1.5-m, 1.8-m, 2.1-m, and 2.4-m tall), opaque fencing (1.2-m, 1.5-m, and 1.8-m tall), and an outrigger fence (i.e., 0.6-m outriggers attached to a 1.2-m-tall wire fence angled at 45º). We recorded the number of successful fence crossings for each deer and characterized behaviors associated with each failed crossing attempt. No deer crossed the 2.4-m fence, whereas all deer crossed the 1.2-m fence. We observed no differences in crossing success between woven-wire and opaque fencing …
Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Managed Shotgun Hunts For Suburban White-Tailed Deer, Ryan D. Hubbard, Clayton K. Nielsen
Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Managed Shotgun Hunts For Suburban White-Tailed Deer, Ryan D. Hubbard, Clayton K. Nielsen
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Deer managers often utilize managed hunts to curtail burgeoning white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in suburban areas. Although several studies have used population modeling to focus management, these efforts generally provide only harvest numbers, without considering the spatial placement of hunters on the landscape. Further, few studies have modeled management effort as deer density changes during the hunt. We modeled 2 types of managed shotgun hunts, a replacement hunt, where the stand of each successful hunter would be filled the following day, thus, ensuring the same number of hunters would be present each day of the hunt, and …
Effectiveness Of Deer Repellents In Connecticut, Jeffrey S. Ward, Scott C. Williams
Effectiveness Of Deer Repellents In Connecticut, Jeffrey S. Ward, Scott C. Williams
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Browsing by overabundant herds of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can cause significant economic damage to agricultural crops and landscape plantings. In many instances, for both commercial growers and homeowners, commercially available repellents may be an appealing alternative to physical exclusion and lethal control of animals. We tested 10 different commercially-available repellents (Chew-Not®, Deer Off®, Deer-Away® Big Game Repellent, Plantskydd®, Bobbex®, Liquid Fence®, Deer Solution®, Hinder®, Repellex® systemic tablets, and coyote urine) on yews (Taxus cuspidata Densiformis) at 2 different locations in Connecticut. The study included both positive (fence) and negative (no treatment) controls. We planted yews in …
Driver Knowledge, Beliefs, And Attitudes About Deer–Vehicle Collisions In Southern Michigan, Alix Marcoux, Shawn J. Riley
Driver Knowledge, Beliefs, And Attitudes About Deer–Vehicle Collisions In Southern Michigan, Alix Marcoux, Shawn J. Riley
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) are one of the most frequent and costly human– wildlife conflict throughout the range of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We conducted a self-administered, mail-back survey of Michigan drivers to determine: (1) driver attitudes and knowledge about DVCs; (2) reporting rates of DVCs; and (3) effects of being in a DVC on attitudes toward desired deer population levels. From a sample of 3,600 randomly selected licensed drivers >18 years of age in southeast Michigan, we obtained 1,653 completed questionnaires (48% response rate). Although 18% of respondents reported experiencing >1 DVC within 5 years of the survey …
Factors Contributing To The Success Of A Single-Shot, Multiyear Pzp Immunocontraceptive Vaccine For White-Tailed Deer, Lowell A. Miller, Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Donald C. Wagner, Gary J. Killian
Factors Contributing To The Success Of A Single-Shot, Multiyear Pzp Immunocontraceptive Vaccine For White-Tailed Deer, Lowell A. Miller, Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Donald C. Wagner, Gary J. Killian
Human–Wildlife Interactions
We evaluated 6 different porcine zona pellucida (PZP) preparations used as a single-shot vaccine for multiyear contraception of captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The study compared 2 PZP preparation technologies from ImmunoVaccine Technologies™ (IVT) and National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) over a 7-year period. The study compared both the use of oil in an emulsion and in suspension delivery, as well as replacement of the oil with an alum adjuvant. The study demonstrated that the oil emulsion adjuvant provided the longest lasting response. PZP isolated by the IVT provides a longer-lasting response than the preparation used by NWRC. …
Estimating Deer Abundance In Suburban Areas With Infrared-Triggered Cameras, Paul D. Curtis, Bazartseren Boldgiv, Peter M. Mattison, Jason R. Boulanger
Estimating Deer Abundance In Suburban Areas With Infrared-Triggered Cameras, Paul D. Curtis, Bazartseren Boldgiv, Peter M. Mattison, Jason R. Boulanger
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Interactions between humans and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have become common, often resulting in management actions to mitigate negative impacts. Changes in population size are generally used to judge management actions. We examined deer population estimation techniques during 2 mark-resighting experiments in a woodland-grassland habitat in central New York State and in a suburban area. We compared program NOREMARK, Lincoln-Peterson estimates, and Jacobson’s (1997) buck:doe ratios (BDR) for estimating deer abundance. In the first field trial, we sought to validate the camera survey methods and computer applications. We used infrared-triggered cameras (IRCs) to survey a white-tailed deer population …
Deer Guards And Bump Gates For Excluding White-Tailed Deer From Fenced Resources, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Nathan W. Seward, Michael J. Lavelle, Justin W. Fischer, Gregory E. Phillips
Deer Guards And Bump Gates For Excluding White-Tailed Deer From Fenced Resources, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Nathan W. Seward, Michael J. Lavelle, Justin W. Fischer, Gregory E. Phillips
Human–Wildlife Interactions
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) causing damage is a reoccurring theme in the realm of wildlife damage management, especially regarding human safety, disease transmission, and agricultural losses. Fences often are the only reliable long-term nonlethal means of controlling deer damage. The efficacy of fences, however, relies on their weakest link: human-operated gates. Although not overly time-consuming, the act of closing a gate appears to be a burden to individuals, resulting in open-access to an otherwise protected resource. We examined the efficacy of 2 alternatives to traditional gates to evaluate their potential to be used for excluding or containing deer. …
White-Tailed Deer Attacking Humans During The Fawning Season: A Unique Human-Wildlife Conflict On A University Campus, Ryan D. Hubbard, Clayton K. Nielsen
White-Tailed Deer Attacking Humans During The Fawning Season: A Unique Human-Wildlife Conflict On A University Campus, Ryan D. Hubbard, Clayton K. Nielsen
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Human–wildlife conflicts associated with suburban white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations have increased in the last 20 years. Primary threats to human health and safety associated with overabundant deer populations include deer–vehicle collisions, attacks on humans, disease, and damage to native and ornamental vegetation. During the fawning seasons (May–June) of 2005 and 2006, 13 confirmed incidences of white-tailed deer attacking humans occurred on the campus of Southern Illinois University–Carbondale. To our knowledge, no report exists that documents free-ranging does attacking humans during the fawning season. The attacks occurred at multiple locations on campus, with injuries to humans, including minor …
Gnrh Immunocontraception Of Male And Female White-Tailed Deer Fawns, Lowell A. Miller, James P. Gionfriddo, Jack C. Rhyan, Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Donald C. Wagner, Gary J. Killian
Gnrh Immunocontraception Of Male And Female White-Tailed Deer Fawns, Lowell A. Miller, James P. Gionfriddo, Jack C. Rhyan, Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Donald C. Wagner, Gary J. Killian
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Immunocontraceptive vaccines based on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) have been tested in adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), but their effects on fawns are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if early immunization against GnRH would induce a long-lasting immune response in fawns, and if it would delay or prevent sexual development. We gave primary and subsequent booster injections of a KLH-GnRH/Freund’s vaccine to 6 male and 6 female fawns. This vaccine contained the same active ingredients as GonaCon™ vaccine, but it contained Freund’s adjuvant instead of AdjuVac™ adjuvant. Two 450-μg injections were given 1 month apart …
Deer–Vehicle Collision Trends At A Suburban Immunocontraception Site, Allen T. Rutberg, Ricky E. Naugle
Deer–Vehicle Collision Trends At A Suburban Immunocontraception Site, Allen T. Rutberg, Ricky E. Naugle
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Observations of extended estrus seasons in female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) vaccinated with porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraceptives have led to speculation that management use of PZP would, perversely, increase the rate of deer–vehicle collisions. To test this hypothesis, we studied PZP-treated female deer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland. PZP-treated female deer did not differ from untreated female deer in risk of death by vehicle collision, and the number of deer killed in vehicle collisions was uncorrelated with the number of deer treated with PZP, whether or not population size was controlled for. …
Modeling Wildlife Damage To Crops In Northern Indiana, Mónica I. Retamosa, Lee A. Humberg, James C. Beasley, Olin E. Rhodes Jr.
Modeling Wildlife Damage To Crops In Northern Indiana, Mónica I. Retamosa, Lee A. Humberg, James C. Beasley, Olin E. Rhodes Jr.
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Comprehensive information on crop damage by wildlife species is critical if effective strategies for controlling wildlife damage are to be formulated. Discriminating how landscape composition and configuration attributes influence crop damage is important for implementing landscape management techniques to resolve human–wildlife conflicts. We analyzed crop damage data from 100 corn fields and 60 soybean fields located in the Upper Wabash River Basin of northern Indiana during 2003 and 2004. We used negative binomial regression to model the rate of damage to corn and soybean crops in response to local and landscape variables. Rate of crop damage was best predicted by …