| Exurban development is non-metropolitan, residential development characterized by a human population density and average property size intermediate between suburban and rural areas. The interspersion and juxtaposition of wildlife habitat, roads, and other forms of human development is the end result of exurbanization. Among the many potential consequences of exurban development is its influence on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) ecology and deer-human conflict. Despite the expansion of exurban areas in North America, few studies have considered how human dwellings and their associated habitat modifications may affect space-use of deer. Further, no studies have explicitly examined the potential for deer-human conflict in exurbia. During October 2002-March 2004, 37 does were radiocollared (20 GPS, 17 VHF) in an exurban setting near Carbondale, Illinois. A mail survey was administered to 159 study area residents regarding their experiences with and attitudes towards deer as well as their preferences for deer population trend. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
