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White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

White-tailed deer are graceful animals with reddish-brown fur in summer and grayish fur in winter. They get their name from the white underside of their tail.

Habitat: Forests, fields, and meadows.

Appearance

The White-tailed Deer has reddish-brown fur in summer, turning grayish-brown in winter. Its most distinctive feature is the white underside of its tail, which it flags high when startled. They possess large ears and slender legs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderArtiodactylaFamilyCervidaeGenusOdocoileus
White-tailed Deer
wildlife trait badgefurry trait badgesocial trait badgeantlered trait badge
White-tailed Deer

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

1,299

Interesting facts

A fawn's spots help it blend perfectly into dappled sunlight.

Deer have four-chambered stomachs to digest tough plant materials.

Newborn fawns can stand and walk within hours of birth!

Their eyes are on the sides of their head for a super-wide view.

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Signal

White-tailed Deer can flash their bright white tail because it warns other deer of danger, helping them escape predators.

Ability

Super Sniffer

White-tailed Deer has an amazing sense of smell that helps them find hidden food and detect predators from afar.

Ability

Silent Stalker

White-tailed Deer can move almost silently through forests because their hooves are designed for stealthy movement.

Measurements & details

Length
150-200 cm
Weight
50-130 kg
Lifespan
6-14 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Litter Size
1-3
Gestation
195-205 days

Diet & Feeding

They are herbivores that munch on many different plants, from leaves to nuts and berries.

Age differences: Young fawns drink milk, then slowly transition to a plant-based diet like adults.

Primary Foods

  • Leaves
  • Twigs
  • Acorns
  • Mushrooms
  • Berries
  • Grasses

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Eastern Deer

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Keep your distance — deer can kick if startled.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify White-tailed Deer?

The easiest way to identify White-tailed Deer is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is White-tailed Deer?

150-200 cm

How much does White-tailed Deer weigh?

50-130 kg

How long does White-tailed Deer live?

6-14 years

How fast can White-tailed Deer move?

70 km/h

What does White-tailed Deer eat?

They are herbivores that munch on many different plants, from leaves to nuts and berries.

Where is White-tailed Deer usually found?

Forests, fields, and meadows.

How does White-tailed Deer hunt?

Foraging

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