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.