UNGULATE ENCOUNTERS WITH CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS (PIPE, BEAMS, ETC.) DURING THE BUILDING OF AN UNDERGROUND GAS PIPELINE IN WESTERN ALBERTA, CANADA

Abstract

This study monitored the response of moose (Alces alces), elk (Cervus elaphus) and deer (Odocoileus hemionus and O. ) to the presence of pipe and berms during the construction of a 106 cm underground gas pipeline in western Alberta, Canada. Pipe, either lying on the ground or welded and lying on skids, acted as a visual and physical barrier to the free movement of animals. Elk and deer were affected by pipes on the ground, while moose jumped over them. Welded pipe, lying on skids, with an average pipe-to-ground clearance of 98 cm, did not limit deer movements, but impeded moose crossings. The presence of pipe on the pipeline right-of-way did not appear to alarm ungulates. Due to the presence of openings, dirt berms did not appear to act as a barrier. Moose, elk and deer crossed at breaks profile openings and at gaps associated with the roughness of berms.