This study examines the spatial distribution of raccoon-human interaction in an urban area. This study determines the probability of raccoon-human interaction across a range of raccoon (Procyon lotor) and human habitat and activity characteristics, especially raccoon ecological habitat characteristics and human occupancy patterns. This study is based upon four years, January 1984 to December 1987, of raccoon-human interaction activity in Baltimore, Maryland. A probit model was developed to assess the likelihood of raccoon-human interaction given spatial variation in habitat and human occupancy characteristics. The model utilizes three variables to predict where raccoon-human interaction will occur: human population density, distance to water, and distance to vegetation. These variables serve as a quantifiable measure of the raccoons' basic ecological needs in an urban space. Geographic Information Systems were instrumental in: the amalgamation of numerous digital coverages from multiple sources and formats, the processing of these coverages to populate the variables, and the output of these values into a ready format for statistical analysis. The model's output leads to trends as to the effect variables have on the probability of a raccoon-human interaction The final output of this model, a probability map of raccoon-human interaction, can be used for public health applications. It may be useful in predicting the geographic spread of rabies from the raccoon to human population. This model is applicable not only to Baltimore city, but also to any urban area which has a similar urban environment and is within the raccoon's wide geographic range.
Learning Objectives: 1. Develop GIS techniques for deriving study data 2. Enhance spatial modeling techniques
Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Rabies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.