Investigation of anatomical anomalies in Hanford Site mule deer

Abstract

Portions of this document may be illegible in electronic image produck Images are produced from the best available original document. Executive SummaryRocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus), common residents of the Hanford Site, are an important part of the shrub-steppe ecosystem as well as being valued for aesthetics and hunting. Because mule deer have been protected from hunting on the Site for 50 years, the herd has developed unique population characteristics, including a large number of old animals and males with either large or atypically developed antlers, in contrast to other herds in the semi-arid regions of the Northwest.Hanford Site mule deer have been studied since 1991 because of the herd's unique nature and high degree of public interest. A special study of the mule deer herd was initiated in 1993 after observations were made of a relatively large number of male deer with atypical, velvet-covered antlers. This report specifically describes our analyses of adult male deer found on the Site with atypical antlers. The report includes estimates of population densities and composition; home ranges, habitat uses, and dietary habits; natural and human-induced causes of mortality; and the herd's overall health and reproductive status.Examinations of adult male deer exhibiting unusually shaped, velvet-covered antlers were found to have permanently infertile, atrophied (shrunken as opposed to incompletely developed) testicles. The frequency of affected deer observed on Hanford was highly correlated to the frequency of older-aged animals found onsite and was difficult to compare with other more heavily hunted populations. Morphologic, physiologic, and clinical and pathological results showed essentially normal findings, but indicated the causative agent(s) act directly on testicular tissues. Figure S.1 shows a logistical flow diagram for potential causative factors responsible for deer exhibiting unusuaIly shaped, velvet-covered antlers. Radiation, natural aging, infectious agents, and genetic factors were ruled out as primary potential causes. Other factors ruled out as likely causative agents that could warrant further field investigations were thermal stress, nutritional stress, plant estrogens, heavy metals, and herbicides/ pesticides/insectides (Hanford and/or adjacent agricultural areas). Essentially no data were gathered to examine plant or fungal toxins, which could be causative agents.Population-level results indicated that the Hanford Site herd contained a relatively large proportion of male deer, primarily as a result of the lack of hunting pressure and mild winters. Fawn production on Hanford was low. Deer were most abundant along the Columbia River (approximately 330 animals) and on the western portions of the FitznerEberhardt Arid Lands Ecology (ALE) Reserve and were lowest on the 200 Area plateau to the southern border and the eastern portions of ALE. Deer diets and movements indicated a high dependency on riverine habitat, sagebrush, and the sand dunes habitat. The data also sh...

Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization Report, Revision 17

“…By combining the 1994-1999 list of The Nature Conservancy with the site list (Landeen et al 1992), a total of 258 species of birds have been documented on the Hanford Site (Soll et al 1999). There are 144 bird species considered common to the Hanford Site (Appendix B, Table B Mule deer rely mainly on shoreline vegetation and bitterbrush shrubs for browse (Tiller et al 1997). Elk, which are more dependent on open grasslands for forage, seek the cover of sagebrush and other shrub species during the summer months.…”

Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization Report

“…Mule deer rely mainly on shoreline vegetation and bitterbrush shrubs for browse (Tiller et al 1997). Elk, which are more dependent on open grasslands for forage, seek the cover of sagebrush and other shrub species during the summer months.…”

Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization, Revision 15

“…Mule deer rely on shoreline vegetation and bitterbrush shrubs for browse (Tiller et al 1997). Elk, which are more dependent on open grasslands for forage, seek the cover of sagebrush and other shrub species during the summer months.…”