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White tailed deer

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a species of deer native to the United States, Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. They are the most widely distributed deer species in North America and are one of the most popular game animals in the United States. White-tailed deer are medium-sized ungulates with a reddish-brown coat in summer and a grayish-brown coat in winter. The tail of the deer is white on the underside, which is why they are called “white-tailed”.

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Scientific Name

Odocoileus virginianus

Average Lifespan

8-10 years in the wild

Average Size

The adult males typically weigh between 100-200 pounds and the females between 70-120 pounds.

Similar To

Mule deer, Elk, Caribou, Moose

Lifecyle

White-tailed deer have a life expectancy of about 8-10 years in the wild. The mating season for white-tailed deer is typically in late autumn or early winter, and the gestation period is about 200 days. The fawns are usually born in late spring or early summer and are usually spotted with white spots. The fawns will stay with their mother until they are about a year old, after which they will become independent.

Diet

White-tailed deer are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, twigs, and fruits. They also eat acorns, mushrooms, and other nuts. In some areas, they will also eat agricultural crops.

Habitat

White-tailed deer can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, swamps, and agricultural fields. They are most commonly found in deciduous forests, but they can also be found in areas with coniferous forests, grasslands, and shrublands.

10 Fun Facts About

1. White-tailed deer can run up to 30 mph. 2. White-tailed deer can jump up to 8 feet high. 3. A white-tailed deer’s antlers can grow up to 3 feet long. 4. White-tailed deer are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. 5. White-tailed deer can swim up to 6 miles per hour. 6. White-tailed deer have a keen sense of smell and can detect predators from up to 1 mile away. 7. White-tailed deer are the only deer species in North America to have a white tail. 8. White-tailed deer can live up to 20 years in captivity. 9. White-tailed deer are very social animals and live in herds. 10. White-tailed deer are the most hunted big game animal in the United States.

Pun

What did the white-tailed deer say to his friends? Let’s “tail-gate”!

Out Thoughts About

🦌💕 White-tailed deer are amazing animals that are a part of the natural beauty of North America!

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