Dynamic riskscapes for prey: Disentangling the impact of human and cougar presence on deer behavior using GPS smartphone locations

Dataset Summary This dataset includes high-resolution animal movement and
environmental data used to evaluate prey behavioral responses to spatial
and temporal risk from predators and humans. Data were collected between
2015 and 2022 across two ecologically distinct study areas in the American
Southwest (Book Cliffs, Colorado/Utah and Pine Valley, Utah). The dataset
supports risk-sensitive habitat selection and movement analyses by
integrating information on animal space use, human activity, and landscape
features. Structure and Contents Wildlife GPS Data: Location data were
collected from GPS-collared female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Deer
GPS fixes were recorded at 2-hour intervals. Each GPS location is
associated with a phenological season (e.g., late gestation, rearing,
hunting) and a diel period (day, night, crepuscular). To protect sensitive
wildlife location information, all raw spatial coordinates have been
removed or generalized. Derived environmental and behavioral metrics are
retained for reuse. Full covariates are described in the README.
Environmental Covariates: Spatially explicit raster data include
vegetation indices (NDVI), terrain ruggedness, and reclassified land cover
categories (e.g., open, forested, shrub). These covariates were extracted
for each animal location and included with the 'Wildlife GPS
Data.' Risk Surfaces: The dataset includes modeled probability
surfaces representing the relative risk of human and cougar encounters,
generated using resource selection functions. These covariates were
extracted for each animal location and included with the 'Wildlife
GPS Data.' Derived Movement Data: Step lengths and turn angles were
calculated between successive deer GPS fixes. These data were used in
integrated step selection analyses to evaluate behavioral responses to
risk. These covariates were calculated for each animal location and
included with the 'Wildlife GPS Data.' Reuse Potential Raw human
mobility data are licensed under a data use agreement prohibiting
redistribution or public sharing. With permission only. Reuse potential
statements in the associated publication refer to the full dataset,
including withheld raw human mobility data, and do not apply to this data
package. Legal and Ethical Considerations Appropriate institutional animal
care and use committees approved all animal capture and handling
procedures and followed professional guidelines. The dataset also includes
anonymized human mobility data derived from GPS-enabled smartphones and
obtained via a third-party provider (Gravy Analytics). These data were
collected from consenting users in compliance with the California Consumer
Privacy Act (CCPA) and the European General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR). However, raw human mobility data are licensed under a data use
agreement prohibiting redistribution or public sharing. Users wishing to
replicate or extend human mobility data analyses must secure access
independently.