Effectiveness of predator odors as gray squirrel repellents

The ability of gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) to discriminate betwee n different predator odors and the use of predator odors to deter gray squi rrels from foraging on plants have not been previously investigated. To tes t the hypothesis that predator scent decreases foraging, I investigated the effect of such scent on consumption of butternuts (Juglans cinerea) in the field. Results showed that (i) red fox (Vulpes vulpes) scent was significa ntly more effective than either a control or human scent; (ii) raccoon (Pro cyon lotor) scent was significantly more effective than white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) scent (but only after 7-9 h); (iii) red fox scent w as not significantly more effective than raccoon scent; and (iv) human scen t was not significantly more effective than the control. The utility of pre dator odors in controlling damage by gray squirrels should be explored.