Whitetail

Whitetail, or white-tailed deer, is a medium-sized deer species native to North America and parts of Central and South America. Its scientific name is Odocoileus virginianus, and it is one of the most common and widely distributed ungulates in the region.

Description: Adults typically range in size from about 60 to 300 pounds (27–136 kg), with males usually larger than females. Bucks grow antlers annually, which are shed and regrown. The coat varies seasonally, generally brown in spring and summer and grayer in winter. A distinctive white underside is visible on the tail, which is flashed as a warning signal when the animal is alarmed.

Distribution and habitat: The white-tailed deer inhabits a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, fields, and edge habitats, across most of North America and into parts of Central and South America. It favors landscapes that combine cover with ready access to forage.

Behavior and diet: It is primarily a browser but will graze on grasses. Feeding occurs mainly at dawn and dusk, with periods of rest during the day. Outside of the breeding season, it is typically solitary or found in small groups, though females with fawns may form family groups.

Reproduction and life cycle: The breeding season, or rut, occurs in autumn. After a gestation of about 200 days, does usually give birth to one or two fawns in late spring or early summer. Young deer have spotted coats for several weeks and rely on the mother’s protection before becoming more independent.

Interactions with humans and conservation: White-tailed deer are hunted in many regions for sport and population management. They face threats from habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and disease in some areas. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide distribution and large population, though local populations can vary.