Pups in the Park: Assessing Presence of Canis Latrans and Feeding Sequence of Predators in Gettysburg National Military Park
Environmental Studies Senior Capstone
Description
In recent years, reports of Eastern coyotes (Canis latrans) in the Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) have caused concerns among local farmers over the safety of their livestock. This concern has led to increased interest in C. latrans diet, habitat preferences, and presence within the park boundaries. In this study we examine the presence of C. latrans, along with overall carnivore feeding sequence on white tail deer remains, in the GNMP through the use of camera traps. Baited camera trap studies have frequently been used as a tool to assess large carnivore presence and predator behavior. Our data not only confirmed the presence of C. latrans in the park boundaries, but also suggested that avian predators arrive first and spend the most time at deer remains. Our cameras recorded a total of nine carnivore species, five raptors and four mammals. The majority (77.5%) of the avian presence occurred in the first 72 hours after deployment, while 17.8% of mammalian presence occurred after the first 72 hours. Additionally, 99.3% of avian carnivores exhibited diurnal visiting behavior, while 64.4% of mammalian carnivores demonstrated a nocturnal behavior. This research provides important insight to wildlife managers in the GNMP, who can use our findings to inform their decisions regarding future wildlife management programs. Our study also holds the potential to educate residents in the Gettysburg area, who may hold concerns over the local C. latrans populations.
Pups in the Park: Assessing Presence of Canis Latrans and Feeding Sequence of Predators in Gettysburg National Military Park
Glatfelter 102
In recent years, reports of Eastern coyotes (Canis latrans) in the Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) have caused concerns among local farmers over the safety of their livestock. This concern has led to increased interest in C. latrans diet, habitat preferences, and presence within the park boundaries. In this study we examine the presence of C. latrans, along with overall carnivore feeding sequence on white tail deer remains, in the GNMP through the use of camera traps. Baited camera trap studies have frequently been used as a tool to assess large carnivore presence and predator behavior. Our data not only confirmed the presence of C. latrans in the park boundaries, but also suggested that avian predators arrive first and spend the most time at deer remains. Our cameras recorded a total of nine carnivore species, five raptors and four mammals. The majority (77.5%) of the avian presence occurred in the first 72 hours after deployment, while 17.8% of mammalian presence occurred after the first 72 hours. Additionally, 99.3% of avian carnivores exhibited diurnal visiting behavior, while 64.4% of mammalian carnivores demonstrated a nocturnal behavior. This research provides important insight to wildlife managers in the GNMP, who can use our findings to inform their decisions regarding future wildlife management programs. Our study also holds the potential to educate residents in the Gettysburg area, who may hold concerns over the local C. latrans populations.