White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus · Mammal, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Cervidae, order Artiodactyla, class Mammalia
Animal Category
Wild Prey
Breed / Variety
Borealis subspecies (Northern white-tailed deer)
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern, population trend is stable or increasing
About This Creature
Medium-sized deer with a reddish-brown coat in summer and grayish-brown in winter, featuring a distinctive white underside to its tail
Physical Characteristics
Slender body, long legs, large ears, prominent antlers on males with forward-pointing tines branching from a main beam
Behavior & Temperament
Cervids are generally social, forming maternal groups or bachelor herds; crepuscular activity patterns; alert and swift
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Native to North, Central, and South America, introduced elsewhere
Habitat
Forest, Grassland/Savanna, Edge habitats, Terrestrial
Diet & Nutrition
Herbivore; consumes leaves, twigs, fruits, nuts, and herbaceous plants
Lifespan & Health
Typically 2 to 3 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity; preyed upon by wolves, cougars, and bears
Special Characteristics
Possesses an iconic white tail flag used as a warning signal to other deer; males grow and shed antlers annually
Ecological Information
Acts as a primary herbivore shaping plant communities and serving as a key food source for apex predators