Evaluation of Expandable GPS Collars for White-tailed Deer Fawns and Preferences of Captive White-tailed Deer for Acorn Species of the Southeastern U.S.

Behavioral studies using captive animals offer certain advantages compared to field observations by allowing for more detailed evaluations, controlling for extraneous variables, and ensuring animal welfare. Integrating Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with expandable collars will allow researchers to more accurately investigate survival of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns. I tested fit and function of GPS collars on fawns and conducted behavioral observations at Whitehall Deer Research Facility, Athens, GA, USA. Fawns with GPS collars were less vigilant, slept more, and retained collars for a mean 181 (±85 [SD]) days. Preferential consumption of oak (Quercus spp.) acorns by deer could affect oak regeneration in the southeastern United States. I conducted feeding preference trials with captive deer to evaluate their selection for 7 species of acorns native to the southeastern United States. Deer preferred acorns of the white oak group compared to acorns of the red oak group.