Desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus) in central Arizona declined from 11 deer/km(2) in the early 1960s to 2 deer/km(2) in 2006. We had the opportunity to examine the causes of desert mule deer population fluctuations in Arizona from 1960 to 2006 by contrasting deer density, body condition, productivity, and diet quality inside and outside of the 259-ha Walnut Canyon Predator Proof Enclosure (WCPPE) on the Three Bar Wildlife Area (TBWA) in central Arizona. Mule deer inside the enclosure increased from 11/km(2) in 1997 to 32 deer/km(2) in 2004 while mule deer outside the enclosure in the TBWA remained between 1 and 5 deer/km(2) during the same time. There was no difference in body mass and number of fetuses (in utero) between mule deer inside and outside the enclosure. However, there was evidence of mule deer in better body condition inside the enclosure compared to mule deer outside the enclosure. Mule deer inside the enclosure consumed a diet higher in energy than mule deer outside the enclosure. There were no differences in plant species diversity or composition inside and outside the enclosure. Current mule deer densities in the study area are below what the environment is capable of maintaining, and a history of higher mule deer densities inside WCPPE over 40 y has not resulted in measurable impacts on the highly diverse plant communities of TBWA. Observed differences in diet quality of mule deer may be related to trade-offs incurred through predation risk, where mule deer inside the enclosure are maximizing their energy intake without the burden of predator avoidance and vigilance. Our study provided evidence that current mule deer densities in central Arizona are below what the environment is capable of sustaining.

Predators can cause prey to make habitat choices that could affect their survival. We studied the influence of coyote, Canis latrans, presence on habitat use by desert mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus eremicus. Our study was conducted in 2000 in the Walnut Canyon Enclosure, a 246-ha enclosure on the Three Bar Wildlife Area, central Arizona. We radiotracked six mule deer (5 F, 1 M) in the enclosure with and without coyotes present during 2000 and compared our data with data obtained in the enclosure in 1998 when coyotes were absent. We compared habitat use among four environmental settings: burned and unburned interior chaparral and Sonoran desertscrub. We found evidence of changes in habitat use between years and after coyotes were introduced. Deer increased use of areas with the greatest vegetation cover when coyotes were present.

Abstract During two studies of mortality in fawns of desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus) in Crockett County, Texas, and Gila County, Arizona, we recorded rates of retention and problems with vaginal-implant transmitters (VITs). Our objectives were to determine if rates of retention differed between studies, years, timing of insertions, and width of wing of VITs. In Texas, VITs with wings 6.75-cm wide were shed successfully at parturition 73–77% of the time, whereas in Arizona, VITs were shed successfully 43% of the time. Additionally, in Arizona, VITs with 8.20-cm-wide wings were shed successfully 91% of the time. Our data suggested that optimal length of wings of VITs for mule deer may be dependent on locale. When designing a study using VITs, researchers should use the largest wing possible to ensure high rates of retention without physically harming deer.

During two studies of mortality in fawns of desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus) in Crockett County, Texas, and Gila County, Arizona, we recorded rates of retention and problems with vaginal-implant transmitters (VITs). Our objectives were to determine if rates of retention differed between studies, years, timing: of insertions, and width of wing of VITs. In Texas, VITs with wings 6.75-cm wide were sited successfully at parturition 73-77% of the time, whereas in Arizona, VITs were shed successfully 43% of the time. Additionally, in Arizona, VITs with 8.20-cm-wide wings were shed successfully 91% of the time. Our data suggested that optimal length of wings of VITs for mule deer may be dependent on locale. When designing a study using VITs, researchers should use the largest wing possible to ensure high rates of retention without physically harming deer.

We studied a desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) population in the Mazatzal Mountains (primary study area) in central Arizona and population indices on reference areas between 1989 and 2003. We evaluated disease exposure and nutritional status of desert bighorn sneep, vegetation parameters, predator diets, and mountain lion (Puma concolor) harvest and abundance (1999-2003) and mountain lion predation (11995-2003) as factors potentially affecting desert bighorn sheep and population parameters. We measured rainfall monthly, mon tored demography and relative abundance of desert bighorn sheep using aerial surveys, captured and placed radio collars on desert bighorn sheep, and collected samples of blood, parasites, and other pathogenic agents from captured animals. We measured mineral content, relative use, and structural composition of vegetation and determined diets of desert bighorn sheep adults and lambs, dietary intakes of nitrogen (FN), 2,6-diaminopimelic acid (FDAPA), neutral detergent fiber, and minerals using fecal analyses. We incorporated mountain lion reductions as an experimental element, monitored harvest, and used track surveys as an index of relative abundance of the predator and monitored radio-collared desert bighorn sheep to determine mortalities and causes of death. We determined diets of bobcats (Lynx rufus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and mountain lions using fecal analyses. Drought conditions occurred during summer (July-September) and winter (November- April) during 4 and 3 years, respectively, between 1999 and 2003. Annual surveys indicated that the Mazatzal Mountains population declined during drought between 1994 and 1997, experienced low growth and lamb production coincident with above-normal rainfall in 1998 and drought in 1999, and exhibited higher growth, production, and productivity during 2000-2003 despite persistent drought conditions during this perio J. We observed no clinical symptoms of disease in radio-collared desert bighorn sheep, and hematological and other evidence of exposure to disease agents was unremarkable. Population indices on the primary study and reference areas were positively correlated with winter (November-April) rainfall. We found no evidence of forage overutilization on the primary study area. Rainfall on Mazatzal Mountains was associated with differences in primary production, particularly of forbs, forage mineral concentrations, and diets, nutritional status, and demographic attributes of desert bighorn sheep between 1999 and 2003. Higher winter rainfall was associated with higher forb growth, and higher rainfall was associated with higher concentrations of P and Se but lower levels of Fe in browse; higher concentrations of Ca, P, and Zn in forbs; and higher levels of P, Se, and Zn in grasses. Narrower mean Ca:P ratios of browse and forbs were associated with higher rainfall. Diets of desert bighorn sheep adults and lambs generally were similar, particularly near summer, and forbs tended to predominate in diets during wetter and drier,/ears. Higher winter rainfall was associated in adult feces with more prolonged winter-to-spring increases in FN and FDAPA concentrations, higher fecal phosphorus, lower fecal Ca levels, and narrower fecal Ca:P and NaX ratios, but levels offecal Na increased during the driest year. Higher winter rainfall corresponded in lamb feces with higher levels of FN, FDAPA, and fecal P; lower concentrations of fecal Ca; and narrowel fecal Ca:P ratios. Thus, we hypothesized that diets and nutritional status of desert bighorn sheep adults and lambs tended to corespond with rainfall patterns and associated differences in relative abundance and mineral content of forages. We found no evidence that bobcats or coyotes preyed on or scavenged desert bighorn sheep. Decline of desert bighorn sheep abundance during 1994-1997 was greater than declines on reference areas lacking mountain lions despite continually higher, and a lesser decline in, winter rainfall on the primary study area. In comperison, population indices on a reference area and on Mazatzal Mountains increased between 1999 and 2003 in association with predator reclu,'tions and lower abundance of mountain lions and predation of radio-collared animals despite continued occurrences of drought during this period. We thus identified 2 proximate factors that likely acted to influence demographic trends of the Mazatzal Mountains desert bighorn sheep population: nutritional status (higher rainfall [ultimate factor] was associated with higher availability and differences in mineral content of forages and improved indices of desert bighorn sheep nutritional status) and predation by mountain lions. We hypothesize that nutritional status and mountain lion predation during a period of drought influenced desert bighorn sheep population parameters in Mazatzal Mountains and that short-term removal of mountain lions by lethal harvest contributed to higher growth and productivity of the small, isolated population, even during periods of drought.

Introduced disease is a major mortality factor in some populations of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). Epizootics of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) and contagious ecthyma occurred in bighorn sheep in the Silver Bell Mountains of south-central Arizona, USA, from 1 December 2003 to 31 March 2004. Our objectives were to 1) investigate the influence of the epizootic on abundance and demographics and 2) examine how IKC affected the mortality, behavior, and movements of clinically affected animals. Morbidity was 39%, and all sex and age classes were affected. The population declined 23%, with most mortality in the adult female (1 M, 11 F) segment of the population. Of the diseased animals that were marked (n = 27), 44% recovered and 44% died. Predation (50%) and starvation (33%) were the primary causes of mortality of diseased bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep that were infected spent less time feeding and moved less than noninfected animals during the epizootic. Managers might be able to minimize losses of infected animals through predator control. To minimize losses to starvation, managers should refrain from any activity that disturbs infected animals (including treatment) because disturbances increase energy expenditures and expose infected animals to injury.

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and Dall's sheep (O. dalli) use mining areas despite high human activity. We studied bighorn sheep selection of landscape features within a mine in a desert environment to determine those important for bighorn sheep and to enhance reclamation efforts of mines in desert environments. We collared and observed 8 male and 6 female bighorn sheep from December 2003 to January 2005 in the Silver Bell Mountains, Arizona, USA. We classified 13 unique features within a mine landscape based on topography, hydrology, and vegetation. Subadult male, adult male, and female bighorn sheep used desert islands (54, 76, and 54%, respectively) followed by highwalls (14, < 10, and 11%, respectively). Subadult male, adult male, and female bighorn sheep selected for desert islands, and subadult males and females also selected for highwalls, whereas adult males did not We did not observe bighorn sheep using leach ponds, pit bottoms, or tailings dumps. Bighorn sheep behavior while on desert islands was similar to behavior recorded when outside the mine perimeter. Subadult male and female bighorn sheep fed and were alert less and socially interacted more on highwalls than they did while outside the mine perimeter. Bighorn sheep in mines select areas similar to conspecifics outside of mined areas. In areas where mining and bighorn sheep are in proximity, mining engineers and wildlife biologists should work together to design reclamation plans that benefit bighorn sheep. In places where revegetation is difficult (i.e., deserts), mine engineers should design infrastructure (i.e., roadways, waste dumps, buildings) to minimize the unnecessary destruction of native slopes and vegetation.

Understanding how mining operations influence use of habitat and movements by bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is critical to long-term management of populations that inhabit areas in and around mining operations. We studied responses of a population of desert bighorn sheep to a surface-mining operation in the Silver Bell Mountains, Pima County, Arizona. We incorporated two study periods With different levels of activity at the mine: closure (1993-1995) and operation (2003-2005). We captured and radiocollared >= 22 bighorn sheep in each period and monitored size of home ranges, size of core areas, and use of the mine. Home ranges and core areas of adult males during the breeding season were larger during closure than during operation. During the non-breeding season, there was evidence that home ranges of adult males were larger during closure compared to when the mine was in operation. Core areas of adult males were similar in size during the non-breeding season of both periods. During the breeding season, adult males used the mine more while the mine was in operation than during closure. During the non-breeding season, however, adult males did not use the mine more during either period. Home ranges and core areas of females were not different in size during both seasons and periods of closure and operation of the mine. During both seasons, females used the mine more during operation than during closure. Overall, the population of desert bighorn sheep used an active mine more than it did when the mine was closed.

We reviewed 13 case studies from Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, on the effects of transportation corridors on pronghorn (Antiocapra americana). What do we know and what can we do about it? Since the mid-1900s, naturalists/biologists have known that transportation corridors such as highway and railroad rights-of-way can affect pronghorn populations. Beginning in 1983, we have radiomarked ~250 adult pronghorn across Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico to assess the effects of transportation corridors on various populations. During this over 20-year period, we conducted 3 studies, 1 in Sonora, Mexico, on the endangered Sonoran pronghorn (A. a. sonoriensis) and 10 studies in central and northern Arizona on other subspecies. With >34,000 radio locations, we report on the documented effects of transportation corridors from these 13 case studies. Transportation corridor effects varied by type of corridor (number of lanes, fenced vs. unfenced, and presumably by traffic volume). Pronghorn readily crossed paved, unfenced roadways with low traffic volume, occasionally crossed paved, fenced 2-lane highways, but only in certain situations, but did not cross high-volume highways or divided interstates. Railroad rights--of-way also isolated pronghorn herds and fragmented habitat. Six mitigation ideas are presented and discussed that could improve the likelihood of pronghorn crossings. The current “wildlife missing linkages” project in Arizona is attempting to identify fragmentation of habitat across the state due to transportation corridors and plan for remedies to lessen the impact of transportation on many species of wildlife, including pronghorn. We conclude that additional research on mitigation features is warranted.

Estimates of population trend for the interior subspecies of band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata fasciata) are not available because no standardized survey method exists for monitoring the interior subspecies. We evaluated 2 potential band-tailed pigeon survey methods (auditory and call-broadcast surveys) from 2002 to 2004 in 5 mountain ranges in southern Arizona, USA, and in mixed-conifer forest throughout the state. Both auditory and call-broadcast surveys produced low numbers of cooing pigeons detected per survey route (x <= 0.67) and had relatively high temporal variance in average number of cooing pigeons detected during replicate surveys (CV >= 161%). However, compared to auditory surveys, use of call-broadcast increased 1) the percentage of replicate surveys on which >= 1 cooing pigeon was detected by an average of 16%, and 2) the number of cooing pigeons detected per survey route by an average of 29%, with this difference being greatest during the first 45 minutes of the morning survey period. Moreover, probability of detecting a cooing pigeon was 27% greater during call-broadcast (0.80) versus auditory (0.63) surveys. We found that cooing pigeons were most common in mixed-conifer forest in southern Arizona and density of male pigeons in mixed-conifer forest throughout the state averaged 0.004 (SE = 0.001) pigeons/ha. Our results are the first to show that call-broadcast increases the probability of detecting band-tailed pigeons (or any species of Columbidae) during surveys. Call-broadcast surveys may provide a useful method for monitoring populations of the interior subspecies of band-tailed pigeon in areas where other survey methods are inappropriate.

During the 1990s, pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) populations declined in Arizona, USA. To investigate potential causes of decline, we collected blood samples from hunter-harvested male pronghorn from 2001 to 2003 on four Arizona sites. Sera were tested for antibody to parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3), bovine viral diarrhea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), bluetongue virus (BTV), and Chlamydia psittaci. Antibody against PI3 was found in 33% of the samples, whereas antibody against BTV/EHDV was found in 77%. Antibodies to other pathogens were found at low prevalence rates. Although pronghorn decline in Arizona is probably not directly related to disease, potential reproductive effects of BTV/EHDV and PI3 infection on pronghorn in Arizona merit further study.

Abstract Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and Dall's sheep (O. dalli) use mining areas despite high human activity. We studied bighorn sheep selection of landscape features within a mine in a desert environment to determine those important for bighorn sheep and to enhance reclamation efforts of mines in desert environments. We collared and observed 8 male and 6 female bighorn sheep from December 2003 to January 2005 in the Silver Bell Mountains, Arizona, USA. We classified 13 unique features within a mine landscape based on topography, hydrology, and vegetation. Subadult male, adult male, and female bighorn sheep used desert islands (54, 76, and 54%, respectively) followed by highwalls (14, <10, and 11%, respectively). Subadult male, adult male, and female bighorn sheep selected for desert islands, and subadult males and females also selected for highwalls, whereas adult males did not. We did not observe bighorn sheep using leach ponds, pit bottoms, or tailings dumps. Bighorn sheep behavior while on desert islands was similar to behavior recorded when outside the mine perimeter. Subadult male and female bighorn sheep fed and were alert less and socially interacted more on highwalls than they did while outside the mine perimeter. Bighorn sheep in mines select areas similar to conspecifics outside of mined areas. In areas where mining and bighorn sheep are in proximity, mining engineers and wildlife biologists should work together to design reclamation plans that benefit bighorn sheep. In places where revegetation is difficult (i.e., deserts), mine engineers should design infrastructure (i.e., roadways, waste dumps, buildings) to minimize the unnecessary destruction of native slopes and vegetation.

We analyzed data for 422 unmarked and 369 radiocollared desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) translocated into vacant historical habitats in 12 Arizona locations between 1979 and 1995. We evaluated factors potentially influencing predation of radiocollared desert bighorn sheep by mountain lions (Puma concolor) by determining relationships between predation rates, number released, size of releases, escape terrain, available terrain (escape terrain as a percentage of area with slopes >= 40%), habitat quality associated with release locations, and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and predator abundance. We hypothesized that numbers of radiocollared animals released, quality of habitat and available terrain associated with release locations, and relative abundance of mule deer influenced predation of translocated desert bighorn sheep by mountain lions.

Wildlife Society BulletinVolume 34, Issue 4 p. 1238-1242 A Case for Standardized Ungulate Surveys and Data Management in the Western United States RUSS MASON, Corresponding Author RUSS MASON International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Washington, D.C. 20001, USA Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV 89512, USA Russ Mason (photo, with friend), was the Science and Research Liaison to the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He is now the Chief of the Game Bureau for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, "the best little wildlife agency in the west."[email protected]Search for more papers by this authorLEN H. CARPENTER, LEN H. CARPENTER Wildlife Management Institute, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USASearch for more papers by this authorMICHAEL COX, MICHAEL COX Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV 89512, USASearch for more papers by this authorJAMES C. DEVOS, JAMES C. DEVOS Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, AZ 85023, USASearch for more papers by this authorJOHN FAIRCHILD, JOHN FAIRCHILD Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, USASearch for more papers by this authorDAVID J. FREDDY, DAVID J. FREDDY Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USASearch for more papers by this authorJIM R. HEFFELFINGER, JIM R. HEFFELFINGER Arizona Game and Fish Department, Tucson, AZ 85745, USASearch for more papers by this authorRICHARD H. KAHN, RICHARD H. KAHN Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USASearch for more papers by this authorSCOTT M. MCCORQUODALE, SCOTT M. MCCORQUODALE Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yakima, WA 98902, USASearch for more papers by this authorDAVID F. PAC, DAVID F. PAC Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Bozeman, MT 59718, USASearch for more papers by this authorDANNY SUMMERS, DANNY SUMMERS Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, USASearch for more papers by this authorGARY C. WHITE, GARY C. WHITE Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USASearch for more papers by this authorB. KENNETH WILLIAMS, B. KENNETH WILLIAMS United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Discipline, Cooperative Research Unit Program, Reston, VA 20192, USASearch for more papers by this author RUSS MASON, Corresponding Author RUSS MASON International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Washington, D.C. 20001, USA Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV 89512, USA Russ Mason (photo, with friend), was the Science and Research Liaison to the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He is now the Chief of the Game Bureau for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, "the best little wildlife agency in the west."[email protected]Search for more papers by this authorLEN H. CARPENTER, LEN H. CARPENTER Wildlife Management Institute, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USASearch for more papers by this authorMICHAEL COX, MICHAEL COX Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV 89512, USASearch for more papers by this authorJAMES C. DEVOS, JAMES C. DEVOS Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, AZ 85023, USASearch for more papers by this authorJOHN FAIRCHILD, JOHN FAIRCHILD Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, USASearch for more papers by this authorDAVID J. FREDDY, DAVID J. FREDDY Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USASearch for more papers by this authorJIM R. HEFFELFINGER, JIM R. HEFFELFINGER Arizona Game and Fish Department, Tucson, AZ 85745, USASearch for more papers by this authorRICHARD H. KAHN, RICHARD H. KAHN Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USASearch for more papers by this authorSCOTT M. MCCORQUODALE, SCOTT M. MCCORQUODALE Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yakima, WA 98902, USASearch for more papers by this authorDAVID F. PAC, DAVID F. PAC Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Bozeman, MT 59718, USASearch for more papers by this authorDANNY SUMMERS, DANNY SUMMERS Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, USASearch for more papers by this authorGARY C. WHITE, GARY C. WHITE Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USASearch for more papers by this authorB. KENNETH WILLIAMS, B. KENNETH WILLIAMS United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Discipline, Cooperative Research Unit Program, Reston, VA 20192, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 13 December 2010 https://doi.org/10.2193/0091-7648(2006)34[1238:ACFSUS]2.0.CO;2Citations: 12 Nevada Department of Wildlife, Reno, NV 89512, USA Russ Mason (photo, with friend), was the Science and Research Liaison to the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He is now the Chief of the Game Bureau for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, "the best little wildlife agency in the west." AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume34, Issue4November 2006Pages 1238-1242 RelatedInformation

We investigated the feasibility of using whole blood dried on paper strips as a means to collect antibody prevalence data for the epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses (EHDV) and bluetongue viruses (BTV) from hunter-harvested male mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in October 2002 from Arizona, USA. We compared antibody prevalence estimates in mule deer from paired paper strip and serum samples. Prevalence data obtained from elution of dried blood on paper strips proved to be consistent with results from serum in 94% of the samples tested. The paper strip method allows easy collection of blood from dead animals, with a smaller amount of blood being needed for analyses. Also, samples do not need to be refrigerated before analyses. We also used serum samples to determine hemorrhagic disease (HD) serotype exposure status of mule deer harvested from 4 distinct areas in Arizona. Antibodies to BTV and EHDV were identified in 3 of the 4 areas, with positive results to EHDV-1, EHDV-2, BTV-10, and BTV-11 being most common. Many animals did not have antibodies against the BTV serotypes. Exposure varied geographically and potentially with elevation. Hemorrhagic disease viruses commonly infect Arizona mule deer, except on the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona.

An infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) epizootic in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) occurred in the Silver Bell Mountains, Arizona, USA, from 1 December 2003 to 31 March 2004. We used standard culture methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S rRNA gene to test for the causative agents of IKC and other diseases reported to be associated with bighorn sheep populations. All bighorn sheep and domestic goat test results were negative except for Mycoplasma spp. and Branhamella spp. The culture and PCR results differed. Conjunctival swabs from four of 19 IKC-affected bighorn sheep tested by culture were positive for Mycoplasma spp., whereas 22 of 22 bighorn sheep samples tested by PCR were positive for Mycoplasma spp. None of 13 domestic goats tested positive by culture for Mycoplasma spp., whereas five of 16 tested positive by PCR. Three of 16 domestic goats and seven of 24 IKC-affected bighorn sheep tested positive for Branhamella spp. by culture. Bighorn sheep began showing clinical signs of IKC between 21 and 28 days following initial detection of domestic goats in bighorn sheep habitat. The IKC epizootic lasted 122 days, and individual bighorn sheep were blind for an average of 38.4 days. Given the clear potential for disease transmission to bighorn sheep, we recommend that land managers not allow the pasturing of domestic goats near occupied bighorn sheep habitat.

Free-ranging mule deer (MD; Odocoileus hemionus) from Arizona and California were tested for evidence of infection with several tick-borne pathogens, including species of Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, and Borrelia. Of 125 mule deer tested from Arizona, 29 (23%) and 11 (9%) had antibodies reactive to E. chaffeensis and A. phagocytophilum by indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing, respectively; none of the six MD tested from California were seropositive. Using a commercial competitive ELISA kit, antibodies reactive to Anaplasma spp. were detected in 19 (15%) MD from Arizona and four of six (67%) MD from California. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for tick-borne pathogens was conducted on blood samples from 29 MD from Arizona and 11 MD from California. Twenty-two of 29 (75.9%) MD from Arizona had PCR evidence of infection with at least one tick-borne pathogen. We detected an Anaplasma sp. in 19 of 29 (65.5%) MD and a Babesia sp. in 10 of 29 (34%) MD. Sequencing of these amplicons indicated that the Anaplasma sp. was the same that had previously been detected in MD from California and the Babesia sp. was similar to one previously detected in a reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) from California. All of the California MD had evidence of infection with a tick-borne pathogen. Two different species of Anaplasma spp. were detected in MD from California, eight of of 11 MD were infected with an Anaplasma sp., and three of 11 MD were infected with A. ovis. This is the first report of a mule deer naturally infected with A. ovis. Ten of 11 MD from California were infected with a Babesia-like organism previously associated with human disease, and a single MD was PCR positive for Borrelia coriaceae, which has been associated with epizootic bovine abortion. Together, these data suggest that MD in northern Arizona and eastern California are exposed to several pathogens of human and veterinary importance.

Collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) occur in the southwestern United States where fires can severely damage slow-growing, drought-resistant vegetation. Collared peccaries are herbivores and depend upon vegetation for food and cover. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are sympatric with collared peccaries and, in some areas, are significant predators of collared peccaries. Coyotes can affect prey populations directly by killing individuals and indirectly by influencing behavior, habitat use, and activity patterns. We evaluated the habitat use of collared peccaries in burned and unburned areas without coyotes present in 1998 and both with and without coyotes present in 2000. Collared peccaries used vegetation associations in the enclosure nonrandomly (P < 0.10), with less use of burned areas than unburned areas. However, coyotes did not appear to influence habitat use of collared peccaries in the enclosure.