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[title size=”2″]White-Tailed Deer[/title]

This herbivorous mammal can be found in areas spanning the Americas from southern Canada to South America. The white-tailed deer is a North American deer that is generally found in fields and meadows, and occasionally seek shade in forests. In the winter they are generally found in the forests as it provides more shelter from the elements. Adult white-tailed deer have reddish brown fur that can become dull in the winter. Male deer are called bucks and have prominent antlers that are easily recognized during the summer months. However, these antlers are grown annually and fall off in the winter. Bucks use their antlers for protection because they bear sharp points. They also use their antlers during mating season to protect their territory. Female deer are called does. The does typically give birth to between one and three babies at a time between May and June. Their gestation period is 7 months. The young deer, fawns, have reddish-brown coats with white spots to help them camouflage themselves in the forest.

White tailed deer feed on available plants. They are strictly herbivores, eating twigs, fruit, nuts, leaves, corn and even some fungi. They are nocturnal creatures, coming out particularly during dawn and dusk, which are the best times for nature lovers to spot them. White-tailed deer used to be severely hunted by humans but the United States government has implemented strict hunting laws that have helped restore the population. Nonetheless, these deer fall prey to other predators such as bobcats, mountain lions and coyotes. These deer have amazing abilities that help them escape their predators, sprinting up to 30 miles an hour and jumping as far as 30 feet in a single bound.

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Odocoileus virginianus

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