Habitat Use by White-Tailed Deer and Moose on Sympatric Range

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Abstract
Temporal and spatial distributions of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and moose (Alces alces) were studied in relation to habitat on the 1,200-ha Himsworth Game Preserve in central Ontario. Habitat use was determined by examining systematically arranged plots for deer and moose pellet groups and tracks at 334 locations. Three time periods were involved: 15 October 1973 (leaf fall) to April 1974, May to June 1974, and July to August 1974. Observations of sign were analyzed in relation to habitat types and habitat factors, including basal area and density of trees, stand height, and percent crown cover. Deer sign was observed at 174 and moose sign at 129 of the 334 locations in the October-April period. The distribution of both species appeared to be more influenced by individual habitat factors than by habitat types; moose distribution was related more to food factors and deer distribution related more to shelter factors. The mixed and coniferous habitat types supported the highest deer densities, whereas the deciduous types supported the highest moose densities. Sign of deer and moose was recorded at 38 and 31 locations, respectively, in the May to June period. Twenty-eight observations of deer sign but only 12 observations of moose sign were made in the July to August period. Alder (Alnus rugosa) was the only habitat type where sign of both species occurred more than expected (P < 0.05) during spring and summer. The distribution of sign of both cervids indicated little spatial overlap in the summer.

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