Environmental Impact - Wildlife/Vegetation Effects

Freddy, D. J., Bronaugh, W.M., & Fowler, M.C. (1986). Responses of mule deer to disturbance by persons afoot and in snowmobiles. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 14: 63-68.

Abstract

Controlled disturbance of mule deer occurred from mid-January until early March in 1979-1980 within a 3-km2 portion of the Junction Butte State Wildlife Area in north-central Colorado. The study found that mule deer were disturbed more by persons on foot than by snowmobiles. Responses by deer to persons were longer in duration, involved more frequent running, and were greater in energy expenditure. Intensity of responses by deer was dependent upon distance between animals and disturbances. Minimizing all responses by deer would require persons afoot and snowmobiles to remain>334m and >470m from deer.

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