Mammals of North America: White-tailed Deer
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The white-tailed deer, also called the "Virginia deer" or simply "whitetail", are the most widespread of all deer species. The animals are found in all of the continental United States, and into southern Canada, and northern Mexico. White-tail deer populations are much larger in the eastern US, than in western sections of the country. A male deer, known as a buck, (see the photo at bottom right), usually weighs over 200 pounds on average, and have been recorded at upwards of 300-350 pounds. Male deer grow antlers in late spring and shed them in late winter. The rack (antler) size of a buck is determined by counting the total number of points on the antlers on both sides. For instance, an eight-point deer would have four pointed antlers on each side. The number and size of the male's antlers is thought to be most influenced by health, diet, and genetics. The female deer, known as a doe, (see photo at middle right), rarely exceeds 150 pounds in weight. Females generally reach maturity between one and two years of age. The doe will give birth to one or two, (very rarely three), babies, called fawns, (see photo at top right), in late spring or early summer. A fawn will weigh on average of 15-20 pounds at birth. At birth a fawn's brownish tan coat will be spotted with lighter or white markings. The fawn will lose these spots in their first year of life. Thereafter, throughout their lives, their brown coats usually take on a reddish tint in spring and summer, changing to a brown with grayish tint through the autumn and winter. |
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