White-Tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

The white-tailed deer is a medium sized deer that is widely distributed across North America. This species of deer is named for the white underside of its tail, which is raised when a deer senses danger. White-tailed deer are herbivores that are well equipped to consume various types of plant foods. The deer will sprint at high speeds or leap at great heights in order to escape from predators. Due to hunting and human development, its natural predators have greatly declined in number. As a result, white-tailed deer populations have grown to levels that have had a detrimental impact on vegetation in many wildlife habitats.

Characteristics

It is a small to medium size deer. Its dorsal colour will change seasonally from a reddish brown in the summer to a grayish brown in the winter. The belly, eye rings, nose band, throat, beneath the tail, insides of legs and insides of ears are white. Males have antlers that are shed from January to March. Black spots are found on the sides of their chin…

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