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.

What is a white-tailed deer?

The white-tailed deer is a medium-sized ungulate that is found throughout most of North America, from southern Canada to South America. It is named for the white underside of its tail, which it raises when alarmed. The deer has a reddish-brown coat in the summer that gives way to a gray-brown coat in the winter. It is a herbivore and primarily feeds on leaves, twigs, and fruits of various trees and bushes.
What is the size of a white-tailed deer?

White-tailed deer are medium-sized ungulates with males, also known as bucks, typically weighing between 120 to 300 pounds and standing about 3 to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder. Females, also known as does, are generally smaller, weighing between 90 to 200 pounds and standing about 2.5 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder.
What is the lifespan of a white-tailed deer?

The lifespan of a white-tailed deer varies depending on a variety of factors such as habitat quality, availability of food, and hunting pressure. In the wild, they typically live between 6 to 14 years, with some individuals living up to 20 years.
When do white-tailed deer mate?

White-tailed deer mate in the fall, typically from October to December. During this time, males compete for the attention of females by engaging in aggressive displays and vocalizations. Once a male has successfully mated with a female, he will move on to mate with other females.
What are the predators of white-tailed deer?

White-tailed deer have several natural predators, including wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, and bears. Humans are also a major predator of white-tailed deer, with hunting being a common practice throughout much of their range.
Do white-tailed deer migrate?

White-tailed deer do not typically migrate long distances, but they do exhibit seasonal movements in response to changing food availability and weather conditions. In the spring and summer, they tend to stay in one area, while in the fall and winter, they may move to different areas in search of food and cover.
What is the habitat of white-tailed deer?

White-tailed deer are adaptable animals and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, grasslands, and farmland. They prefer areas with a mix of open spaces and dense cover, such as edge habitats where fields meet forests. They are also known to thrive in suburban and urban environments, as long as there is enough green space for them to forage and cover to hide in.
Are white-tailed deer dangerous to humans?

White-tailed deer are generally not dangerous to humans and will usually flee when they encounter people. However, during the mating season, males can become aggressive and may attack humans if they feel threatened. Additionally, if cornered or startled, a deer may lash out with its hooves or antlers, which can cause injury.
What is the conservation status of white-tailed deer?

White-tailed deer are not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species. In fact, they are one of the most abundant and widespread large mammals in North America. However, in some areas, overpopulation of deer can have negative impacts on the environment, such as overgrazing of vegetation and increased risk of disease transmission. Conservation efforts often focus on managing deer populations to maintain a healthy balance with their habitat.
What is the social behavior of white-tailed deer?

White-tailed deer are social animals that typically live in small groups or herds. Female deer and their offspring, known as fawns, usually form groups of five to ten individuals, while adult males tend to be more solitary outside of the breeding season. During the breeding season, males may form small groups to compete for females. Within a group, deer communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, body language, and scent marking.

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.