What predicts vigilance in white-tailed deer?

Winner of the Judge’s Choice Award

Zach Swartzentruber, Elisabeth Howansky, Abigail Wills, Zachery Woods

Prey animals face a trade-off between time spent foraging and being vigilant to avoid predation. While some humans are predators of deer, others do not pose a threat. In this study, we investigate whether three different factors influence vigilance: time of day, habitat type, and human disturbance. Deer were found to be significantly more vigilant in open habitats that left them exposed and in areas with more human disturbance, but the time of day was found to have no effect on deer vigilance.

• Zachrey Swartzentruber is a junior biology major. After finishing at Lander, he plans to pursue a graduate degree in marine biology.

• Zach Woods is a senior biology major with minors in chemistry and political science. His achievements include being student body president, a presidential ambassador, and interning with the Greenwood County Litter Prevention Coordinator. Zach plans to pursue a MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy at Johns Hopkins University.

• Elisabeth Howansky is a sophomore at Lander University majoring in biology. Elisabeth is a member of the Lander University Honors College; they are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in pathology.

• Abby Wills is currently a junior biology major with minors in chemistry and psychology. She is a member of the Lander University Honors College, TriBeta National Biological Honor Society, and Alpha Chi National Honor Society. She plans to attend veterinary school after graduating from Lander.