Eco-Postcard
White-tailed Deer are native to Southern Canada, most of North America, and South America. The species, odocoileus virginianus, falls in the genus odocoileus, and in the order Artiodactyla. It is characterized by the white fur on the underside of its tail as well as around its eyes, front of the neck, and underbelly. Male White-tailed Deer have antlers and can weigh up to 300 pounds; female white-tailed deer can weigh up to 200 pounds.
The diet of a White-tailed Deer is that of a typical herbivore, it consumes twigs, corn, nuts, and flowers depending on the season. It feeds mostly in the early morning and late afternoon and is classified as a ruminant; having four chambers in its stomach to aid in digestion. White-tailed Deer will alert other deer if they sense danger by stomping its hooves or snorting. They will also raise their tail to show the white underside, this is commonly referred to as “flagging.” With being able to run as fast as 30 miles per hour, they are also great runners which aids them in fleeing from their predators.
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The White-tailed Deer lives mainly in woody areas though overpopulation can sometimes drive deer to more urbanized areas. Their main predators today are people and dogs along with the occasional coyote. White-tailed Deer mating season occurs from November-February; a doe can give birth to 1-3 fawns approximately 6 months post mating. A fawn is born with white spots on a brown coat which helps them to hide in the forest. They stay with their mother from 1-2 years depending on whether the fawn is male or female.
White-tailed Deer are referred to as a keystone species, meaning other species within the ecosystem depend on them; their removal would cause major changes within that ecosystem. Since they are major grazers, they can also influence the distribution of many plant species; fawns can consume newly sprouted trees, preventing growth. Deer can move seeds with their bodies and in their feces, which can create new growth for plants away from the original plant. They also identify as both prey and herbivore allowing them to fill either niche within their ecosystem.
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References
Integrated Taxonomic Information System: https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN
PBS: https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/whitetaileddeer.htm
Provost, J: http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/2017/09/ecological-impact-of-white-tailed-deer-on-our-forests/
Silliman, B: https://www.glenhelen.org/post/white-tailed-deer-and-the-balance-of-nature
PBS: https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/whitetaileddeer.htm
Provost, J: http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/2017/09/ecological-impact-of-white-tailed-deer-on-our-forests/
Silliman, B: https://www.glenhelen.org/post/white-tailed-deer-and-the-balance-of-nature