Methods

To connect the topics of our interdisciplinary project our team created three different sets of field methods. The three sections of our project are as follows, Coyote Behavior Observations, Visitor Surveys, and Geospatial Analysis of Dog Scat.

As our project tackles park management practices at Buford Park it was important for us to research visitor attitudes through surveys while also collecting quantitative data through coyote monitoring and scat mapping.

Coyote Behavior Observation

On alternating Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am-3 pm, teams of 3-4 hiked throughout Mt. Pisgah to collect data on coyote activity. Using a combination of previously collected data from our community partner and suggestions from the public, the team continuously changed routes to determine key areas of coyote presence. Along each route, team members recorded coyote scat and tracked locations using a field mapping software, Avenza Maps, to identify activity hotspots and document evidence systematically. A spotting scope and binoculars were used at a distance to minimize observer influence, and digiscoping was employed to record visual documentation of signs of territoriality and reactionary behaviors, evaluated using Disturbance Initiation Distance (DID) monitoring. To further minimize human impact near denning areas, a remote trail camera and Autonomous Recording Unit (ARU) were installed to observe behavior patterns over time.

Geospatial Analysis of Dog Scat

Data collection of improperly disposed dog scat locations was collected by 2-3 students. Patrols were conducted twice daily, once at 9 am and again at 1 pm, along the daily route (see Map 1). Using a field mapping software, Avenza Maps, team members marked the locations of dog waste before bagging and removing it. Members also identified coyote scat using the identifiers in Figure 1. After each patrol, the collected waste was weighed in grams and then disposed of properly. After each walk, members completed an additional 'miscellaneous data collection path' to collect supplementary spatial data. These routes can be observed in Map 1.

Map 1

Survey Collection

This survey was administered by surveyers at the Dog Survey Location.

The surveys were conducted from 9 am to 3 pm, on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. 2-3 team members were stationed at the North Trailhead Parking Lot to conduct surveys about park visitor experiences and dog waste management. Another group of 2-3 was stationed at the south entrance to Coyote Meadow to conduct surveys regarding visitor experiences and coyote interactions. Each group surveyed visitors as they walked through the study area and recorded additional participant comments. Surveyors relied on visual recall of participants and visitors' self-reporting to prevent duplicate responses to ensure surveys were completed only once. Additionally, clickers were used to determine the response rate and count the number of visitors and dogs at both survey location sites. Two in-depth interviews were conducted, one with an intern from Buford Park and another with a long-term visitor.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse