The North Border Deer Study was a 4-year collaborative research project between Alberta Fish and Wildlife and the University of Alberta conducted from January 2006 to April 2010. The study focused on the ecology and management of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) in a CWD-infected region in east-central Alberta.
The primary objectives of the research were to:
- Document mule deer and white-tailed deer densities, distribution, demographic characteristics, habitat use, food habits as well as establish a baseline of coyote predation on deer using scat analysis.
- Identify ecological and environmental influences on the spatial dynamics of CWD spread and transmission.
- Assess management actions directed at assessing CWD prevalence and controlling CWD spread.