PS 10-119 - Bedding habits of mule deer (Odocoileous hemionus hemionus) on high-elevation summer range

Monday, August 8, 2011
Exhibit Hall 3, Austin Convention Center
Joe D. Lewis, Natural Science, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR
Background/Question/Methods

Mule Deer (Odocoileous hemionus hemionus) beds have been studied, in the absence of deer, to document physical and vegetative characteristics.  I monitored solitary bucks in northeast Oregon during August, 2010, to identify established buck beds occupied during immediate (2 hr.) environmental conditions.  We hypothesized bucks parsimoniously selected physical/vegetative characteristics that balanced concealment and physiological requirements.  Air temperature and solar exposure were recorded during time of use; concealment (vegetative) characteristics were quantified with a Robel pole.

Results/Conclusions

Beds selected by solitary bucks exhibited less solar intensity, lower temperatures and similar Robel scores compared to randomly-selected beds. Bucks within groups may/may not show this type of preferential bed selection, and may signify hierarchical group organization before sparing behavior begins.

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