Date of Award: Master of Science (MS) Eric M. Gese Increased
snowmobile use in mountainous terrain has been highlighted as a
conservation concern for some Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)
populations. Snow compaction resulting from winter recreation
may potentially facilitate access by coyotes (Canis latrans) to
habitats used by lynx during winter. Increased interactions
could result in either exploitation or interference competition
between the two species. Two recent, yet geographically
distinct, studies showed contrasting findings regarding coyote
movements and their use of snow-compacted trails during the
winter. These findings suggest coyote association with snow-
compacted trails may be regionally specific and dependent upon
ecosystem dynamics and snow characteristics. The objectives of
this study were to document diet, space use, and movements of
coyotes occupying deep snow regions and explore whether a
potential existed for increased interactions between coyotes and
lynx due to snowmobile activity. We doc