valkohäntäpeura

Valkohäntäpeura is the Finnish name for the white-tailed deer, *Odocoileus virginianus*. This species is native to North America and has been introduced to several other parts of the world, including Finland. The Finnish population of white-tailed deer is primarily found in the southern and southwestern parts of the country.

The white-tailed deer is a medium-sized deer characterized by its reddish-brown summer coat and grayish-brown winter coat. Its most distinctive feature, and the source of its name, is its tail, which is white on the underside. When alarmed, the deer raises its tail, displaying the white underside as a warning signal to other deer and as a visual distraction to predators. Males, called bucks, typically have antlers that are shed annually.

In Finland, the white-tailed deer is considered an introduced species and its population has grown significantly since its initial introduction. They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation including leaves, twigs, fruits, and grasses. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in various habitats, from forests to agricultural fields. The presence of white-tailed deer has had ecological impacts, including competition with native species and effects on vegetation. They are also hunted in Finland.