Tracking Deer: A New Way to Map Movements

Scientists in Virginia are studying deer bones to uncover the origins of these animals, aiming to improve tracking methods for both wildlife and humans.

Key Elements Analyzed

• Oxygen
• Strontium
• Sulfur

These elements provide clues about a deer's grazing locations.

Findings

• Oxygen and Strontium: Show clear patterns based on location in Virginia.
• Sulfur: More varied, unique to specific areas.

Influencing Factors

• Oxygen: Affected by altitude, dryness, and average temperature.
• Strontium: Dependent on underground rocks and mixed materials.
• Sulfur: Lower in western Virginia, higher in the east due to dust and sea spray.

Significant Discovery

Human-made pollution, such as fossil fuels, did not disrupt these natural patterns. This means the methods can be applied to bones from modern, historic, or ancient times.

Best Tracking Method

Using all three elements together provides the most detailed and accurate results. Sulfur levels, in particular, could be a new way to track east-west movements of animals and people.

Conclusion

This study represents a significant advancement in tracking movements using animal bones, demonstrating that a combination of different elements yields the most precise results.