| Resource selection is a fundamental ecological process that impacts population dynamics and ecosystem structure. Understanding factors driving resource selection is vital for effective species and landscape level management. We used resource selection probability functions (RSPFs) to investigate the influence of predation risk, snow conditions, terrain features and vegetative cover types on ungulate winter resource selection in 2005 and 2006 at two spatial scales. Areas of high direct predation risk, as determined by wolf occurrence, were not avoided by ungulates at any scale. The avoidance of sources of indirect predation risk was not observed for elk, while responses were inconsistent for deer and moose. Deer resource selection was more influenced by snow conditions than cover type while moose selection was more influenced by cover type, particularly the selection of dense forest. Elk selected for high elevation areas. The temporal and spatial scale investigated influenced observed resource selection for all ungulate species. |
