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<p>Wildlife living within human-dominated and/or modified landscapes may explore and use unconventional habitats. Our study investigates the overlooked potential of stormwater sewer systems (SSSs) as habitat for two urban-dwelling species: raccoons (<i>Procyon lotor</i>) and southeastern myotis bats (<i>Myotis austroriparius</i>). Here we focus specifically on the construction-based factors that most greatly affect the occupancy of these two species within the SSS of Alachua County, Florida. With many vertebrates using SSSs for movement, foraging, and roosting, knowing what factors influence a system’s usability is important when designing urban corridors. Our findings suggest that raccoon occupancy in SSSs was most closely related to the proximity to the nearest exit, while bats seem to select roosting sites based on the level of impervious surface aboveground. Raccoons have a preference to remain near an exit suggesting that their presence in SSSs may be exploratory or constrained by food or light availability. Southeastern myotis prefer limited impervious surface disturbance aboveground, potentially because of reduced noise pollution, aiding in roosting site preference, or resource availability. We use these findings to discuss ways that construction design and stormwater management can be more wildlife friendly.</p>

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Identifying the factors that influence raccoon (Procyon lotor) and southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius) use of stormwater sewer systems

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月29日

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  • Alan A. Ivory II,
  • Matt T. Hallett,
  • Miguel A. Acevedo,
  • Brett R. Scheffers,
  • Kody M. Brock,
  • Steve A. Johnson

摘要

Wildlife living within human-dominated and/or modified landscapes may explore and use unconventional habitats. Our study investigates the overlooked potential of stormwater sewer systems (SSSs) as habitat for two urban-dwelling species: raccoons (Procyon lotor) and southeastern myotis bats (Myotis austroriparius). Here we focus specifically on the construction-based factors that most greatly affect the occupancy of these two species within the SSS of Alachua County, Florida. With many vertebrates using SSSs for movement, foraging, and roosting, knowing what factors influence a system’s usability is important when designing urban corridors. Our findings suggest that raccoon occupancy in SSSs was most closely related to the proximity to the nearest exit, while bats seem to select roosting sites based on the level of impervious surface aboveground. Raccoons have a preference to remain near an exit suggesting that their presence in SSSs may be exploratory or constrained by food or light availability. Southeastern myotis prefer limited impervious surface disturbance aboveground, potentially because of reduced noise pollution, aiding in roosting site preference, or resource availability. We use these findings to discuss ways that construction design and stormwater management can be more wildlife friendly.