Spatial analysis of environmental factors at found locations of orphaned mammals (Didelphis virginiana, Procyon lotor, Sciurus carolinensis, and Sylvilagus floridanus) in Champaign County, Illinois, USA

Interactions between people and wildlife are increasing as developments encroach on nature. Concurrently, neonatal and juvenile mammals are presented to rehabilitation centers as real or perceived "orphans", believed to be lacking appropriate parental care for survival. Four common orphaned mammals presented to wildlife rehabilitation facilities are the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana, DIVI), common raccoon (Procyon lotor, PRLO), eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis, SCCA), and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus, SYFL). As some individuals are unnecessarily taken from their habitat, there is a benefit to characterizing where they are collected. This study utilized Geographic Information System to examine the spatial relationship between the environment and originating locations of orphans presented to the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic within Champaign County from 2015-2020 (99 Virginia opossums, 80 common raccoons, 441 eastern gray squirrels, and 602 eastern cottontails). Environmental factors evaluated included percent tree canopy, land cover classification, and distance to water. Overall, these species were frequently found in highly developed areas (p < 0.001), near water (p < 0.027), with a low percent canopy (p < 0.001). Our analysis identifies environments associated with greater human-wildlife interactions and opportunities for targeted educational outreach.