Schubert, D. J., & Smith, J. The impacts
of off-road vehicle noise on wildlife. Retrieved December
19, 2003, from http://www.wildlandscpr.org/databases/biblionotes/ORV_noise_wildlife.htm
Abstract
The noise of off-road vehicles is among their least-endearing qualities
to hikers, mountain bikers, and other non-motorized recreationists. The
noise of ORVs can do more than simply annoy humans, however. ORV noise
can cause significant adverse impacts to wildlife in at least two ways.
First, exposure to ORV noise can result in hearing impairment or even
loss, with severe consequences for animals dependent on their sense of
hearing for finding prey, avoiding predators, and interacting with other
individuals of the same species. Second, wildlife exposed to ORV noise
often experience stress and other disturbance effects. Over time, such
impacts can lead to altered movement patterns, behavioral changes, and
long-term stress impacts, all with potentially significant adverse results.
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