Problem:
Describe a paper from the peer-reviewed literature that provides an additional example of behavioral mediation of habitat use due to perceived risk related to human presence or activities that fits their scenario and discuss the management implications. In your response, rely on additional sources. Be sure to provide the citation in JWM format. Need Assignment Help?
Post
Predation Risk Theory and Human Disturbance
A strong example of human disturbance involving a human-associated species is the effect of off-leash dogs on elk in recreation areas. While dogs are not natural predators, their scent, movement, and noise can trigger fear responses similar to those caused by wolves or coyotes. This creates a form of perceived predation risk that alters how elk use their habitat (Storch 2013). Miller et al. (2001) found that elk in Colorado stopped feeding and moved away when hikers and dogs approached, even when the dogs did not chase them. These behavioral changes reflect the ecology of fear described by Storch (2013) and the risk-response patterns outlined by Dwinnell et al. (2019).
First, elk often shift their feeding times and locations to avoid humans and dogs, moving into less productive areas. This reduces access to quality forage and can lower body condition over time (Dwinnell et al. 2019). Second, repeated exposure to disturbance increases vigilance and flight behavior, which uses additional energy and limits rest (Storch 2013). Finally, persistent avoidance of disturbed areas can lead to indirect habitat loss, where the land remains available but is effectively unused because animals perceive it as unsafe (Dwinnell et al. 2019). Managing recreation by keeping dogs leashed and restricting access during critical feeding or calving seasons can help reduce these negative effects.