The white-tailed deer is the smallest member of the North American deer family. The name refers to the white underside of the deer’s tail which it displays and wags when it senses danger. Despite being a smaller deer, it can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour and leap over 10 foot fences. The white-tailed deer is also known to leap 30 feet in one bound. Generally, this deer is nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn).
Habitat: North America through South America in areas with cover, but not dense forests.
Diet in the wild: Grasses, weeds, shrubs, twigs, mushrooms, nuts and lichens
Diet at Caldwell Zoo: Sweet feed, Caldwell zoo diet (pellets), and alfalfa
Size: About 35 inches tall (at the shoulder); weigh 110-220 pounds
Family: A baby deer is able to stand shortly after birth. A fawn is a “hider baby” for the first month of its life. Mom cleans the baby so other animals are not able to smell the youngster and will come nurse the little one 5-6 times a day, but she does not stay next to her youngster. Often people think the baby has been abandoned, but being a hider baby is an excellent defense until the little fawn is able to keep up with mom.
Status: Least Concern, however, three subspecies are listed as endangered by USDA.
Did you know? This deer can reach speeds close to 45 miles per hour when running.