Odocoileus virginianus

White-tailed deer prepare for harsh, northern winters by fattening up in autumn (in many areas, they feed heavily on acorns). They tend to lose weight all through winter on a diet of woody browse.

 
Photo Credit: Becky McCray
Odocoileus virginianus
Common Name: white-tailed deer
Animal Guild: Mammal
Class > Order > Family: Mammalia > Artiodactyla > Cervidae
What does the species look like?

Their fur is tan or reddish-brown in summer, and grayish-brown in winter. Their ears are large and may move independently. Males have antlers. The upper side of the tail is brown with a white edge (often a darker stripe down the middle), while the underside is white. Juveniles have spotted fur. 
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AB, AL, AR, AZ, BC, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MB, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NB, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NL, NM, NS, NT, NY, OH, OK, ON, OR, PA, PE, QC, RI, SC, SD, SK, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, YT
Distribution

Their range extends from northwestern and southern Canada south through most of the United States, Mexico, and Central America to northern South America (Bolivia, northern Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, and Venezuela). The species has been introduced in the Czech Republic, Finland, New Zealand, and the West Indies.
 

White-tailed deer occupy many types of habitats, including forests, forest edges, shrublands, grasslands with shrubs, and residential areas. They are often found near agricultural lands. In the north in winter, they tend to stay in areas with minimal snow cover, if possible. In dry regions, white-tailed deer prefer moist habitats along streams or in mountain forests.
 

 

 
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Live individuals
One or more individuals are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
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Feeding
One or more individuals are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field.

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Reproduction Male combat
Two or more adult males are seen touching antlers or horns or butting heads, or one male is seen chasing another.

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Mating
A male and female are seen coupled in a mating position.

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Development Young individuals
One or more recently born or young individuals are seen, living or dead, including those individuals found dead on a road. White-tailed deer young have a spotted coat.

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Dead individuals
One or more dead individuals are seen.

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What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.