Date of Award

1971

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Sciences

Program/Concentration

Biology

Committee Director

Daniel E. Sonenshine

Committee Member

David Delzell

Committee Member

Gerald F. Levy

Committee Member

John H. Richardson

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.B46 W56

Abstract

A study was undertaken comparing populations of raccoons (Procyon lotor L.) in two natural areas of Virginia, one in the Piedmont physiographic province at Montpelier and the other in the coastal plain at Newport News. Comparisons were made with respect to differences in: (1) capture and recapture success, (2) relative trap reflected density, (3) trap reflected distribution with respect to aquatic habitat, and (4) in food consumption. Comparison of capture data indicated that capture success per 100 trap nights was much higher at Newport News (1.58) than at Montpelier (.76). However a similar comparison of recapture success per 100 trap nights indicated a much higher recapture incidence at Montpelier (.38) than at Newport News (.07). Age and sex ratios indicated a bias toward males in both areas and a relatively low proportion of juveniles (12% for Montpelier, 23% for Newport News). Density estimates suggested that the Montpelier study area was only average raccoon habitat (one raccoon/14.3 acres). Although a thematical density estimate was impossible for the Newport News study area, comparison of other factors suggested a higher density than at Montpelier. Trap reflected distribution in both areas was found to be on-random. At Newport News the animals were found to be concentrated along the shoreline with few upland captures during all seasons. At the Montpelier study area two large concentrations of raccoons were observed, one along the water's edge the other 800-1000 ft. upland. The data suggested that there are two behaviorally distinct groups within the raccoon population at Montpelier, one remaining near the water’s edge, the other roaming farther upland. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in raccoon distribution at the Montpelier study area roughly corresponding to availability of food in various sections of the habitat. Comparison of food consumption in the two areas revealed that raccoons at Newport News were consuming mostly natural foods primarily insects found in the water and in rotten logs found in lowland areas adjacent to the shoreline. At Montpelier the main food consumed was corn which was found in upland fields.

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DOI

10.25777/46sg-k246

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