As Nevada hunters may be aware, mule deer fawns can fall prey to a variety of natural predators, but did you know that specific research is being conducted in Central Nevada studying coyotes and their prey during mule deer fawning season?
While in the field in hunting units 161-164 in the Monitor Range, Bob from Nevada Outdoorsman Unlimited met up with Pat Jackson, Utah State graduate student. Pat is doing some interesting work in this region of Nevada studying coyote prey selection and diet.
Can you tell our website users about your current area of graduate study ?
“I am researching coyote biology in central Nevada. I am interested in what types of prey coyotes focus on, and if this focus changes with fluctuations in prey abundance. I am particularly interested if coyotes focus on lagomorphs (rabbits) and small mammals during mule deer fawning season, the time when mule deer fawns are the most susceptible to coyote predation.”
Can you please give us a brief overview of the field study you are conducting?
“I am deploying GPS collars on coyotes to determine home range size and habitat use. I am collecting coyote scats to determine coyote diet throughout the summer months. I am also conducting surveys to determine lagomorph and small mammal abundance.”
When was the study first initiated?
“My first field season was in the spring/summer of 2011.”
What is the overall goal of the study?
“To determine coyote prey selection and diet, and if these preferences change with fluctuations in prey availability.”
What type of data do you expect to collect?
“Home range data of coyotes, coyote diet, coyote age, coyote productivity, and abundances of small mammals and lagomorphs.”
Do you have any “take home” messages for Nevada outdoorsmen that you would like us to pass along?
” Not until my results are in!”
Thanks Pat for your work to sustain and protect Nevada’s wildlife-we’re looking forward to the results of your study!