Do deer dilly dally in the day? Determining white-tailed deer diel activity in response to warming weather

Zachery T. Woods, Abigail R. Wills, and Zachery L. Swartzentruber

Scientists have hypothesized that mammals may shift toward nocturnality in response to climate change. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether average weekly maximum temperatures and proportion diurnality of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in South Carolina were correlated. Overall, we found a positive correlation between temperature and diurnality. Furthermore, temperature and diurnality were positively correlated in edge and open habitats, but no correlation was observed in forest habitats. This could suggest current temperature conditions are not so extreme as to cause deer to change their behavior in response.

• 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.

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

• 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.