The White-tailed Deer

     The white-tailed deer is a common animal to see in your venturing within deciduous forests. This beautiful creature is shy but it is marvelous. If you are a quiet forest wanderer then you may be able to see one of these elusive creatures. Here are some facts about this interesting animal.

The White-tailed Deer

• This species is usually colored tan, brown, or a dusty grey brown
• Male deer weigh between 150-300 pounds
• Female deer weigh between 90-200 pounds
• Every year the male deer (bucks) grow a set or antlers, these antlers fall off in due time and when the year starts again the buck grows a new pair
• The bucks use their antlers to fight other, rival, bucks in order to win the attentions of the female deer (doe)
• After breeding and a gestation period of seven months, the doe gives birth to a baby deer (fawn)
• White-tailed deer are herd animals, and bucks fight one another in order to win dominance over the herd of does
• White-tailed deer are very shy creatures
• The primary predators of white-tailed deer are bobcats, mountain lions, and coyotes (occasionally wolves)
• White-tailed deer are herbivores
• White-tailed deer are an essential link in the deciduous forest food chain, but can only be preyed upon by large carnivorous animals
• In the winter, the white-tailed deer's coat  becomes dusty grey in order to blend in with their changing environment
• The white-tailed deer are considered a keystone species