Predation and Survival of White-Tailed Deer Fawns in Northcentral New Brunswick

Abstract

Identification of mortality sources of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), particularly predation and survival rates, is important for effective management. We captured, radiocollared, and monitored 78 white-tailed deer fawns in northcentral New Brunswick to determine survival and cause-specific mortality from February 1994 through May 1997. Of 50 fawns captured as neonates, 22 died by 30 November 1994-96. Predation by coyotes (Canis latrans; n = 9), black bears (Ursus americanus; n = 5), domestic dogs (Canis familiaris; n = 3), and bobeats (Felis rufus; n = 2) was the largest cause of fawn mortality during summer and autumn, Coyotes were the primary cause of mortality of fawns >7 months old (11 of 15). Fawn survival was lowest during summer (0.47). increased during autumn (0.86) and early winter (0.95), and then declined during late winter (0.76) and spring (0.81). Our results support the hypothesis that coyotes have replaced gray wolves (Canis lupus) in northeastern North America, with survival and mortality rates being comparable between New Brunswick and other areas where wolves and coyotes are sympatric.