Whitetail deer are found from South America to southern Canada. They dwell mainly in wooded areas. Their reddish-brown color changes in colder weather to a thicker gray-brown coat.
Herbivores, the whitetail deer eats leaves, twigs, fruits, nuts, grass, corn, alfalfa, fungi, evergreen foliage. They are not territorial but have a home range. Some deer may spend their entire life in a one square mile area.
Male deer (bucks) weigh about 150 pounds and females (does) weigh about 100 pounds. They stand 1.7 to 3.9 feet at the shoulder.
A deer can run up to 30 mph and swim up to 13 mph. They typically begin to mate at the age of two.
Does have one to three young usually in May or June after a gestation of 7 months. A fawn can stand as soon as its born and can begin to forage at three weeks. Females live in matriarchal groups. Bucks will often hang out together with a dominant buck in charge. Around September however, they are competing for mating rights and often fight each other using their antlers. Antlers are grown annually and fall off in winter.
Whitetail deer are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular. They have eyes on the side of their heads allowing them 310 degrees of vision. Their ears can rotate in any direction. They also have a good sense of smell.
Communication between deer include scent glands on their legs, grunts, wheezes, bleats, whistles, snorts and foot stomps.
You are so lucky to be able to see this in your backyard !
ReplyDeleteIt looks so lush and green we are very dry and hot !
stay safe, parsnip