MORTALITY RISK TO YOUNG PRONGHORNS FROM HANDLING

Because of scientific, management, and ethical considerations, it is i mportant to know if capture and handling of neonatal ungulates increas es their mortality risk. At the National Bison Range in northwestern M ontana, where coyotes annually kill many young, I captured and marked young pronghorns (Antilocapra americana) in most years from 1981 to 19 96 and recorded the number that were born and the number that survived to weaning each year. Mortality of young was greater than or equal to 56% in all years, and the number of coyotes removed from the range of pronghorns in May and June was significantly correlated with the perc entage of young that survived. Capture effort varied from none to inte nse among years, and not all young were captured in any year. I found no evidence that mortality risk was increased due to handling. With pr oper precautions, one may handle young pronghorns without exposing the m to additional risk.