Use of Spruce Plantations by Snowshoe Hare in New Brunswick

Abstract

Spruce plantations in New Brunswick were examined for seasonal use by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). Summer live capture frequencies of adults and winter pellet densities served as indices of summer and winter use, respectively. Hares preferred plantations 11-16 years old both winter and summer. Winter use was correlated with the use (food) of deciduous tree and shrub twigs ≤ 2 m high and the availability (cover) and use (food) of conifer twigs ≤ 2 m high. Summer use was correlated with the availability (cover) of conifer twigs only. Hare densities were lowest in plantations supporting spruce twig densities ≤ 30/m 2 and highest where densities > 120/m 2 . Deciduous twigs were browsed more intensively than conifer twigs. Elimination of potential cover (brush, slash, residual scrub conifer) should reduce damage to young spruce from hare browsing during the first few years after planting. Key words: Spruce plantations, snowshoe hare, New Brunswick, silvicultural management, forestry, animal damage.