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Can a Migratory Mule Deer Herd's Travel Routes Be Manipulated or Controlled?

CSEF · 2015 Mammalian Biology Honorable_mention Award

Kristen R. Schiavon · Fairmont Elementary School, Sanger, Fresno County

Overview

Objectives/Goals My project was to see if you change the topography in a migratory mule deer herd's travel routes, will the deer adapt to the change or will they find a new travel route. Methods/Materials Used trail cameras to take pictures of the deer as they traveled through the test area and highway undercrossing. Transferred images on SD cards to flash drive. Used a computer to analyze the pictures of deer that used the undercrossing. Results The deer adapted to the change in topography, and used undercrossing. They were hesitant at first however after one year the deer started to use undercrossing more. Conclusions/Discussion The deer herd used the undercrossing, but they were very hesitant. The deer would go through the undercrossing, but not through the entire length of the undercrossing. Also, it took the mule deer herd around a year for them to accept the change in the topography. Some images of cars were seen on the highway while deer were using the undercrossing showing that deer travel routes can be controlled for human and animal benefits.

Summary statement

I conducted this experiment to see if humans could manipulate or controll a migratory mule deer herd's travel routes.

Help received

Used images from selected trail cameras put in place by highway 89 stewardship team members, provided by Michael Delassex University of California Cooperative Extentions State Biologist.

Awards (1)

  • Honorable Mention

Competition history

  • CSEF 2015 Mammalian Biology · Entry J1222

Resources

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