A new study employing the cooperation of BYU and Utah State University researchers and state biologists proposes to answer the question just how many mule deer fawns each year are lost to coyotes.
The study will begin in June and take place on Monroe Mountain in Central Utah. Doe mule deer will be captured and fitted with radio collars and vaginal implant transmitters that will be ejected when they give birth. The transmitter will alert biologists of the time and general location of the herd's newest additions. Biologists will then attempt to fit the fawns with expandable radio collars in order to monitor how many survive the critical first 6 months of life.
Coyotes will also be fitted with collars to show researchers their location in relation to the baby deer.
The study is in need of volunteers. Interested parties should contact the Division of Wildlife Resources in Cedar City.