Environmental Impact - Wildlife/Vegetation Effects

Dorrance, M., & Savage, P.J. (1975). Effects of snowmobiles on white-tailed deer. Journal of Wildlife Management, 39(3): 563-569.

Abstract

The effects of snowmobiles on white tailed deer were studied at St. Croix State Park and Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area in Minnesota during 1973 and 1974. Researchers found that home range size, movements, and distance from radio-collared deer to the nearest trail increased with snowmobile activity at Mille Lacs, but remained unchanged at St. Croix. Number of deer along a l0-km trail decreased as snowmobile traffic increased at St. Croix. Light snowmobile traffic caused the displacement of deer from areas immediately adjacent to trails at St. Croix. Deer returned to areas along trails within hours after snowmobiles ceased at St. Croix. Deer responded to very low intensities of intrusion by man and vehicles.

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