Data from: Relative preference and localized food affect predator space use and consumption of incidental prey

Abundant, localized foods can concentrate predators and their foraging
efforts, thus altering both the spatial distribution of predation risk and
predator preferences for prey that are encountered incidentally. However,
few investigations have quantified the spatial scale over which localized
foods affect predator foraging behavior and consumption of incidental
prey. In spring 2010, we experimentally tested how point-source foods
altered how generalist predators (white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus)
utilized space and depredated two incidental prey items: almonds (Prunus
dulcis; highly profitable) and maple seeds (Acer saccharum; less
profitable). We estimated mouse population densities with trapping webs,
quantified mouse consumption rates of these incidental prey items, and
measured local mouse activity with track plates. We predicted that 1)
mouse activity would be elevated near full feeders, but depressed at
intermediate distances from the feeder, 2) consumption of both incidental
prey would be high near feeders providing less-preferred food and, 3)
consumption of incidental prey would be contingent on predator preference
for prey relative to feeders providing more-preferred food. Mouse
densities increased significantly from pre- to post-experiment. Mean mouse
activity was unexpectedly greatest in control treatments, particularly
<15 m from the control (empty) feeder. Feeders with highly
preferred food (sunflower seeds) created localized refuges for incidental
prey at intermediate distances (15 to 25m) from the feeder. Feeders with
less-preferred food (corn) generated localized high risk for highly
preferred almonds <10 m of the feeder. Our findings highlight the
contingent but predictable effects of locally abundant food on risk
experienced by incidental prey, which can be positive or negative
depending on both spatial proximity and relative preference.