Michael R. Vaughan

We investigated population densities and genetic structure of black bears at three national wildlife refuges (Great Dismal Swamp [GDSNWR], Pocosin Lakes [PLNWR], and Alligator River [ARNWR]). We derived density estimates from DNA samples collected noninvasively at each refuge for two consecutive summers. Hair samples were analyzed for individual identification using 6-7 microsatellite markers. Estimated densities were some of the highest reported in the literature and ranged from 0.56-0.63 bears/km2 at GDSNWR to 0.65-1.12 bears/km2 at ARNWR to 1.23-1.66 bears/km2 at PLNWR. Sex ratios were...

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Capture of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is vital for telemetric studies of the species. A variety of methods such as drop nets, clover traps and rocket nets have been employed to capture deer. However, most methods require direct observation of trap sites, which has the obvious limitation of controlling human scent around trap sites. We describe a new technique for capturing deer using rocket nets coupled with wireless remote video. Capture rates for two periods in 2005 using remote video were higher (0.10 and 0.17 deer/h) than the traditional on-site observation method used...

Seasonal movements and total range areas were smaller (P < 0.01) for radio-collared female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) live-captured along the Skyline Drive corridor of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (roadside areas of mowed grass and abutting mixed oak-hardwood forest) than for radio-collared females captured in more remote backcountry areas of the Park (mixed oak-hardwood forest >1 km from Skyline Drive). Mean total range areas were 444 ha (SE = 181 ha, N = 3) for females captured on the Drive, and 879 ha (SE = 443 ha, N = 4) for females captured in the...