Biological consequences of winter-feeding of mule deer in developed landscapes in Northern Utah

摘要: Winter-feeding of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in developed landscapes is often advocated by stakeholders to compensate for lost or fragmented winter range. However the reported benefits winter-feeding increase survival and productivity altered are mixed. Few studies have examined long-term effects on productivity. We studied a program conducted landscape northern Utah, USA from 2001 2006 productivity, survival, mortality 92 adult female (does) that were captured radiocollared 4 feed nonfeed sites. also evaluated potential feeding programs impact winter-range habitat quality through increased browse utilization. Fawn production (P = 0.36), (P = 0.12) did not differ fed nonfed does. Deer–vehicle collisions primary cause both populations (P = 0.97). Utilization desired species was higher sites where (P ≤ 0.001), although numbers similar at When developing big game policies landscapes, managers must consider full range population impacts include anthropogenic-related degradation prior policy implementation. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.