Species · GBIF taxon 2440965
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianusAlso known as Whitetail, Virginia Deer
White-tailed deer are highly adaptable herbivores famous for the bright white underside of their tails, which they hoist like a warning flag when alarmed. They communicate through a complex system of scent glands, snorts, and foot stomps, navigating edge habitats where forests meet open fields. During the autumn breeding season, bucks clash with polished antlers to establish dominance and win mating rights.
CrepuscularAdaptableHerbivore
- diet
- Herbivorous browser eating leaves, twigs, fruits, acorns, and agricultural crops
- family
- Cervidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and chronic wasting disease
- life Span
- 6 to 10 years in the wild
LC
Can cause vehicle collisions and carry disease-bearing ticks; observe from a safe distance.
Collisions with vehicles pose a major safety hazard, and deer carry black-legged ticks that transmit Lyme disease.
Give them plenty of space, especially during autumn mating or when does are protecting young fawns.- Watch the tail: A raised white tail means the deer is alert and about to flee.
- Keep your distance: Bucks can be unpredictable and aggressive during the autumn rut.
- Check for ticks: Always perform a thorough tick check after walking through deer habitats.