White-tailed deer roadside behavior, wildlife warning reflectors, and highway mortality

摘要: Abstract The behavior of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) and the effect Swareflex Wildlife Highway Warning Reflectors were studied along a busy two-lane highway in Crab Orchard National Refuge, Illinois, U.S.A. Focal-animal observational sampling was conducted through all seasons for 24 h day −1 . Deer roadside activity primarily between 17:00 07:00 appeared unaffected by weather conditions or traffic volume. During baseline studies Area I (bordered on one side corn field other hardwood forest), 70% observed crossed attempted to cross highway; feeding grassy right-of-way 32% sightings, mostly after depleted. In II both sides 36% 68% fed right-of-way. presence traffic, commonly looked up from stared at approaching vehicle. Crossing similar areas; generally walked stopped edge pavement before moving across. Adult females usually relaxed, cautious manner. Fawns less followed adult females. yearling males (rarely roadway) with more excitement than fawns. After data had been obtained, reflectors installed 14 months while continued. roadkills occurring dusk dawn same deployed as during 2 years prior testing, even though population decreased. Behavior crossing road did not appear be altered reflectors.