Relative spatial distributions and habitat use patterns of sympatric moose and white-tailed deer in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

M. Cobb; P.J.P. Gogan; K.D. Kozie; E.M. Olexa; R.L. Lawrence; W.T. Route

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USGS · 1008653

Relative spatial distributions and habitat use patterns of sympatric moose and white-tailed deer in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

M. Cobb·P.J.P. Gogan·K.D. Kozie·E.M. Olexa·R.L. Lawrence·W.T. Route

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Abstract

We examined the distribution and home range characteristics of moose ( Alces alces ) and white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) at Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. Pellet count transects revealed low densities of moose and higher densities of white-tailed deer, and provided evidence of partial spatial segregation between moose and white-tailed deer possibly due to habitat heterogeneity. There was limited interspecific overlap in the relatively large annual home ranges of radio-collared moose and white-tailed deer. Both moose and white-tailed deer exhibited significant selection for spruce ( Picea spp.) and balsam fir ( Abies balsamea ) vegetation types at the home range scale. White-tailed deer significantly selected a 12-20 m canopy height over all others while moose significantly selected 5-11 m and 21-30 m canopy heights over the 12-20 m canopy height. Moose significantly selected open/discontinuous canopy cover and white-tailed deer selected both closed/continuous and open/discontinuous canopy covers over dispersed/ sparse canopy cover. Differential habitat selection between moose and white-tailed deer at Voyageurs National Park might be related to the differences between these species' abilities to cope with a northern mid-continental climate. Spatial segregation between moose and white-tailed deer at Voyageurs National Park may allow moose to persist despite the presence of meningeal worm (P arelaphostrongylus tenuis ) in white-tailed deer.

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M. Cobb, P.J.P. Gogan, K.D. Kozie, E.M. Olexa, R.L. Lawrence, W.T. Route. 2004. Relative spatial distributions and habitat use patterns of sympatric moose and white-tailed deer in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/1008653

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