The density of anthropogenic features explains seasonal and behaviour-based functional responses in selection of linear features by a social predator

Anthropogenic linear features facilitate access and travel efficiency for
predators, and can influence predator distribution and encounter rates
with prey. We used GPS collar data from eight wolf packs and
characteristics of seismic lines to investigate whether (1) ease-of-travel
or (2) access to areas presumed to be preferred by prey best explained
seasonal selection patterns of wolves near seismic lines, and whether the
density of anthropogenic features led to functional responses in habitat
selection. At a broad scale, wolves showed evidence of habitat-driven
functional responses by exhibiting greater selection for areas near
low-vegetation height seismic lines in areas with low densities of
anthropogenic features. We highlight the importance of considering
landscape heterogeneity and habitat characteristics, and the functional
response in habitat selection when investigating seasonal behaviour-based
selection patterns. Our results support behaviour in line with search for
primary prey during summer and fall, and ease-of-travel during spring,
while patterns of selection during winter aligned best with ease-of-travel
for the less-industrialized foothills landscape, and with search for
primary prey in the more-industrialized boreal landscape. These results
highlight that time-sensitive restoration actions on anthropogenic
features can affect the probability of overlap between predators and
threatened prey within different landscapes.