Winter Habitat Selection of Mule Deer Before and During Development of a Natural Gas Field

摘要: Increased levels of natural gas exploration, development, and production across the Intermountain West have created a variety concerns for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations, including direct habitat loss to road well-pad construction indirect losses that may occur if use declines near roads or well pads. We examined winter selection patterns adult female before during first 3 years development in field western Wyoming. used global positioning system (GPS) locations collected from sample model relative frequency probability as function variables. Model coefficients predictive maps suggested were less likely occupy areas close proximity pads than those farther away. Changes appeared be immediate (i.e., year 1 development), no evidence acclimation occurred through course study; rather, selected progressed. Lower predicted probabilities within 2.7 3.7 km substantially larger losses. Additionally, some classified high by changed low following others originally more frequently developed. If with preferred deer, observed shifts their distribution progressed toward less-preferred presumably less-suitable habitats.