Although previous research has provided information on the temporal and spa
tial occurrence of scraping by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus),
inferences regarding the communicative significance of these behaviors have
been hampered by the inability to observe specific behavioral patterns at
scrape sites. By using motion-activated video cameras, we continuously moni
tored scraping behaviors at 6 sites over 2 consecutive breeding seasons in
a free-ranging population in the Georgia Piedmont. Most visits by males (85
%) and females (75%) occurred after dark. Females made more visits to scrap
es than males (P <0.001), but males interacted with scrapes more frequently
(P=0.049). Marking behaviors by males were most frequent during October. Y
earling males performed 42% and males greater than or equal to2.5 years old
performed 58% of marking behaviors. As many as 13 males visited individual
scrapes and some scrape sites were marked by 9 different males. Males freq
uently investigated scrapes without scent marking, and about 50% of males r
evisited scrapes. Most previous studies of white-tailed deer scraping behav
iors focused on captive deer. Our study is the first detailed investigation
of scraping in a wild population, and it presents contrasting and previous
ly unreported behaviors. Some prior conclusions drawn from behavioral studi
es of captive deer may not be applicable to wild populations.