North America Program Update

As predator populations steadily increase in size and range throughout North America, wildlife managers face new challenges in finding a balance between predator and prey populations. To address these new challenges, SCIF is supporting studies of the impacts of predators on game populations and providing decision makers with important science based information to support practical management options for both predators and prey. SCIF is continuing and starting new partnerships with state and federal agencies on predator-prey projects.

NEWS: DNR APPROVES PHASE II
ENDOWMENT PROVIDES $50,000 FOR PREDATOR-PREY INTERACTION RESEARCH IN MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES

The Hunter Legacy 100 Fund (HL100F) will commit $50,000 in matching funds to support the on-going investigation into the influence of black bears, coyotes, wolves and bobcats on white-tailed deer survival and recruitment in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has approved the second phase of the project that will evaluate factors influencing fawn survival in three different latitudinal snow depth zones.

HL100F represents a distinguished group of 100 dedicated "Friends of the Foundation" who share a common goal: to elevate their personal investment in the future of worldwide wildlife conservation and outdoor education through SCIF. SCIF is also collaborating with the Michigan Involvement Committee and Mississippi State University.

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS

PREDATOR-PREY: WISCONSIN, USA

Objective: To estimate the influence of black bears, coyotes, wolves and bobcats on white-tailed deer survival and recruitment where fawn survival is low.

RESOURCE USE/MOVEMENT: COLORADO, USA

Objective: To determine response of mule deer to land-use changes, such as natural gas development.

PREDATOR-PREY: WYOMING, USA

Objective: To estimate moose population performance and the influence of grizzly and black bears on moose survival and recruitment where calf survival is low.

PREDATOR-PREY: MONTANA, USA

Objective: To evaluate factors influencing elk survival and recruitment in the Bitterroot Valley.

SPECIES ENHANCEMENT: CALIFORNIA, USA

Objective: To determine whether artificial water developments influence mule deer survival and productivity in California's East Mojave desert ecosystem.