Responses of mountain goats to heliskiing activity: Movements and resource selection.

Heliskiing activity has increased in many areas of mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) range how this activity affects movements and resource use, however, is poorly understood. In 2007 - 2010, I examined locations and movements of 11 GPS-collared female mountain goats relative to activity of GPS-equipped helicopters in northwest British Columbia. Mountain goats exhibited anomalous movements in the 48 h following helicopter approaches within 2 km, regardless of whether helicopters were visible to the animals. Mountain goats were not displaced by the disturbances, however, and seasonal movement rates did not increase with heliskiing exposure. Animals did not avoid areas of helicopter activity, but several animals in areas of high heliskiing activity selected strongly for security terrain. When exposure to helicopter activity is <1h/month, I recommend pre-planning measures be undertaken to ensure 1,500-m separation distances between heliskiing activity and mountain goat range. At higher exposures, separation distances should extend to 2 km. --Leaf ii.