Nocturnal activity of female desert mule deer

Abstract

I quantified nocturnal activity of female desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) in the Belmont and Bighorn Mountains, Arizona, 1990. I determined seasonal differences in percent of time active and distances moved at night from locations of radio-collared deer. I compared nocturnal home ranges and habitat use to those obtained from daytime locations. Activity differed among seasons (P = 0.046). Nocturnal activity was greatest in spring and summer, and decreased in winter. Movement distances also varied with seasons (P = 0.045). Most of the area of nocturnal home ranges (88%) fell within daytime home ranges. Use of habitat in relation to availability was consistent between day and night for 6 of 8 vegetation associations. Use of disturbed sites increased at night (P < 0.01).