Figure 4.

Monthly mortality rates for females during the months immediately after den independence (n=85), weaning (n=60) and sexual maturity (n=59). The x-axis indicates the number of months following each event. For any individual, time zero is the date on which that individual left the den permanently, weaned or reached 24 months of age (i.e. sexual maturity), respectively. Fates after den independence could be followed only for four months before juveniles began to wean. The dotted line indicates the mean monthly mortality rate during the first 12 months of life, when most juveniles are still nursing.