Distribution of Mule Deer and Elk in Relation to Roads

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Abstract
Responses of deer (O. hemionus) and elk (C. canadensis) to roads were assessed by counting fecal-pellet groups near roads on winter ranges. Data were obtained in Colorado [USA] in shrub and pine habitats adjacent to paved, gravel and dirt roads east of the continental divide; and in shrub and juniper woodland habitats west of the divide. Deer and elk avoid roads, particularly areas within 200 m of a road. Road avoidance was greater east, rather than west, of the continental divide, along more heavily traveled roads, by deer, when compared to elk, and for deer in shrub habitats when compared in pine and juniper habitats. Because of less snow accumulation, winter habitat is more available to cervids east of the continental divide where more pronounced avoidance of roads presumably results from a greater availability of habitat away from roads.

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