Abstract: The presence of humans can influence wildlife behavior. Wildlife conservation areas that offer outdoor recreation need to be able to balance visitor enjoyment with the needs of the wildlife species living there. Estimating occupancy of these species aids in understanding what effects human disturbance has on wildlife. We analyzed images from 12 camera traps placed randomly at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvania, to identify mammal species. We estimated occupancy and detection probabilities in relation to each camera’s distance to the nearest trail, distance to the nearest road, distance to the nearest stream, and elevation, as well as effect of day and night. We identified 16 mammal species and occupancy estimates ranged from 16.67% for ermines (Mustela erminea) and eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floidanus) to 100% for Virginia white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Only raccoons (Procyon lotor) and ermines had higher occupancy estimates at farther distances from trails or roads. No species showed a change in expected diel activity. Elevation and the distance to streams had varying effects. As most species were not avoiding human presence either spatially or temporally at the scale we measured, protected areas should be mindful of mammals present in the park when making management and infrastructure decisions. Future research will include multi-season models to further evaluate potential responses to human presence in the park.
