white-tailed deer

Description:

White-tail Deer range in mass from 70 lbs to 220 lbs and heights of 20-40 inches. White-tail Deer range in color from dark to very light brown. The tail is brown above and white laterally and below. Young are commonly born with cryptic coloration, such as white spots, that helps camouflage them from potential predators. White-tails have antlers consisting of one main beam with minor branching off. Some species with smaller antlers have enlarged upper canines. Males are commonly 25% larger in body size than their female counterparts.

Habitat:

Lightly forested areas,upland areas. Bottomland areas with trees, shrubs, vines, forbs, grasses and other plants such as fungi and sedges. Vegetation provides food, shelter and concealment. Some type of water source should be available every mile or so.

Notes:

Observing White-tail Deer is common near marsh areas close to the Pacific Ocean in Grays Harbor,Wa. Small herds of White-tail Deer walk along the beach. Occasionally a White-tail Deer swims across the bay inlet to reach other forested areas. Often I see White-tail Deer in tall grasses that grow wild in the dunes on the coastline. White-tailed Deer visit residential areas and climb on objects and debris to reach upper tender new growth on fruit trees. The Deer are fun to watch and plentiful in Grays Harbor,Wa.