Desert mule deer response to mitigations along the Hayden-Rhodes Aqueduct, Arizona

Abstract

The Hayden-Rhodes Aqueduct (HRA) extends from Lake Havasu along the California and Arizona border to 40 km northeast of Phoenix, Arizona. The Bureau of Reclamation established water catchments for wildlife, and wildlife bridges to provide access for wildlife across the HRA. I investigated the effectiveness of these mitigations for desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) from July 1989 to July 1990. I examined deer use of wildlife bridges, concrete overchutes, and water catchments; the quality of deer habitat at crossings; and the influence of mountain lions (Felis concolor) on deer at water catchments. All water catchments were used by deer. There was very little use of wildlife crossings by deer. Deer habitat on the north side of the HRA received more use by deer than habitats south of the HRA. I could not determine if mountain lions capture prey more often near water catchments than in other areas.