White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer are found from southern Canada to South America. Male deer like the one in this photo, called bucks, are easily recognizable in the summer and fall by their antlers, which are grown annually and fall off in the winter. During the mating season, known as the “rut,” bucks fight over territory by using their antlers in sparring matches.

 

White-tailed deer are herbivores, grazing on most available plant foods. Occasionally venturing out in the daylight hours, white-tailed deer are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, browsing mainly at dawn and dusk.

 

Although their numbers had previously depleted by unrestricted hunting in the U.S., strict game-management measures have helped restore their population.