White-tailed deer

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus nelsoni) male with cattle egret Orange Walk

Odocoileus virginianus NA map

Odocoileus virginianus SA map

White Tailed Deer between summer and fall coat

White-tailed Deer Doe

White-tailed deer, tail up

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), also known as the Virginia deer, is a medium-sized deer native to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America as far south as Peru and Bolivia. It has also been introduced to New Zealand, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, the Lesser Antilles, and some countries in Europe, such as Finland and the Czech Republic. The species is highly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, farmland, brushy areas, and swamps.

Description

The white-tailed deer is easily recognizable by its namesake white underside to its tail, which it displays prominently when alarmed or running. Adult size varies across its range; northern populations are typically larger than those in the tropics. Males (bucks) are larger than females (does) and have antlers that are shed and regrown annually. The coat is reddish-brown in the summer, turning to a grey-brown throughout the winter months.

Behavior

White-tailed deer are primarily crepuscular, being most active during the dawn and dusk. They are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of vegetation, including shoots, leaves, cacti, and grasses. The species is known for its ability to adapt to different food sources in different environments. Social structure varies widely, with some populations displaying complex social structures, while others are more solitary.

Reproduction

Breeding season, or the rut, occurs in the fall, with timing varying by geographical location. During this time, bucks will compete for the opportunity to mate with does. After a gestation period of approximately 200 days, does will give birth to one to three fawns in the spring. Fawns are born with white spots that help camouflage them from predators.

Conservation Status

The white-tailed deer is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to its wide distribution and large populations. However, local populations can be affected by habitat loss, hunting, and vehicle collisions. In some areas, white-tailed deer populations have increased to the point where they are considered a pest due to their impact on agriculture and forestry.

Human Interaction

White-tailed deer have a significant impact on human economies and cultures. They are a popular game animal, with hunting regulated by state and provincial wildlife agencies. In some areas, deer overpopulation has led to increased vehicle collisions and damage to crops and landscaping. Efforts to manage deer populations include hunting, contraception, and habitat management.