Environmental Impact - Sound

Bollinger, J. (1974). Effect of snowmobile noise and deer and rabbits in their natural habitat: 6.

Abstract

The behavioral patterns of deer and rabbits before, during, and after extensive snowmobile activities was studied. The data gathered was used to assess the noise wildlife levels associated with various behavior patterns, and to assess the noise levels generated by different snowmobile uses on various types of terrain. Additional objectives were to determine the effects snowmobile noise and activity had on the home range of the deer and rabbits and their seasonal movements. To determine the reactions these animals had to men in the area not using snowmobiles but equipped with skis and snowshoes. To determine if there was a difference in predator behavior in areas where snowmobiles were used vs. those where no vehicles were operated. The research team was unable to detect an severe or negative animal reactions to the noise generated by the vehicles. Conclusions of the study indicates that the deer and rabbits were not forced to move out of their normal home ranges, nor did they seek shelter or remain stationary with fright while snowmobiles were being operated. The only negative effect determined was that the animals did increase their movement during extensive vehicle use periods. Researchers were unable to determine whether it was the noise , physical presence or both that caused the disturbance.

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