Print PageMule 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.
