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White-tailed
deer - Odocoileus virginianus
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Habitat
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White-tailed
deer are found in a variety of habitats including hardwood
and pine forests, swamps, brush areas, and open meadows.
The home range of individuals is about 1 sq. mi. or
600 to 700 acres.
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Ecological
Niche
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Deer
are large herbivores which eat primarily leaves and twigs
of various shrubs and trees. They also eat large amounts
of acorns, beechnuts, herbs, mushrooms, and fruit. Wolves
and cougars used to prey on deer by killing the sick,
injured or old ones and leaving the healthy ones to breed.
Human beings are now the main predator, but tend to take
the best and leave the worst to breed. |
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Life
Cycle
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Deer
young are born after 6 1/2 months of gestation. Fawns
cannot see well at birth but hear very well. They can walk
within minutes, however, they spend most of their first
10 days laying down away from their mother. They often
begin on solid food at 4 weeks, are weaned at 4 months
of age, and stay with their mother until 8 to 10 months
of age. Generally, they mate at 1 1/2 years old. Deer
can live up to 16 years. |
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Behavior
and physical adaptations
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Deer
have a stomach with 4 separate compartments to digest
its varied diet. Long legs and cloven hooves allow it
to run very fast and jump long distances and heights.
The thin head and body allow for fast movement through
vegetation. Their hair coat changes color twice a year
for better camouflage. Deer communicate by tail signals,
noises, and several odors. |
