Deciphering interactions between white-tailed deer and approaching vehicle

Authors

• Morgan Pfeiffer, USDA National Wildlife Research Center & Nelson Mandela UniversityFollow
• Raymond B. Iglay, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
• Thomas W. Seamans, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
• Bradley F. Blackwell, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
• Travis L. DeVault, University of Georgia,Follow

Document Type

Article

Citation

2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Comments

Transportation Research Part D 79 (2020) 102251

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2020.102251

Abstract

Deer-vehicle collisions are a major transportation hazard, but factors affecting deer escape decision-making in response to vehicle approach remain poorly characterized. We made opportunistic observations of deer response to vehicle approach during daylight hours on a restricted- access facility in Ohio, USA (vehicle speeds were ≤64 km/h). We hypothesized that animal proximity to the road, group size, vehicle approach, and ambient conditions would affect perceived risk by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to vehicle approach, as measured by flight-initiation distance (FID). We constructed a priori models for FID, as well as road-crossing behavior. Deer responses were variable and did not demonstrate spatial or temporal margins of safety. Road-crossing behavior was slightly and positively influenced by group size during winter. Deer showed greater FIDs and likelihood of crossing when approached in the road; directionality of approach likely increased the perceived risk. These findings are consistent with antipredator theory relative to predator approach direction.