White-tailed deer generally give birth to twins with triplets occurring occasionally. The fawns are born spotted and with a reddish coat which helps them conceal themselves in the dappled sunlight of the forest. The spots gradually disappear as the fawns grow and their coats turn a light brownish-gray in their first winter. By the following spring the fawns’ coats have turned reddish-brown and are similar to the pelage of the adults.
In North America the gestation period for white-tailed deer is anywhere from 202 to 217 days. Parturition usually occurs in May or early June but can occur as late as mid-July in some areas further north.
Fawns are generally born at night and are up and walking within an hour or so after birth. The doe will clean the fawn and then breaks the umbilical cord. She will then continue to clean the fawn and lick it to stimulate its blood flow and warmer. After the cleaning is done the fawn is left alone hiding in the grasses or under bushes.
The fawn’s coat provides excellent camouflage and the young animal will lie still even if approached closely. The fawn’s mother will visit it several times a day to nurse it but she will otherwise stay away to avoid drawing predators to the area. The fawn will begin to venture out on its own after a few weeks but will remain hidden in thick cover and continue to be dependent on its mother’s milk for some time.
White-tailed deer are very resilient and have a high rate of survival. However fawns can fall prey to coyotes bobcats eagles and large snakes. In addition fawns can succumb to starvation if they are not able to find enough food.
If you see a fawn by itself it is best to leave it alone. The fawn’s mother is probably nearby and will not appreciate your meddling. Remember even though they’re cute these are wild animals and should be treated as such.
What time of year do white tailed deer give birth?
Answer: White tailed deer give birth in the spring.
How many offspring do white tailed deer usually have?
Answer: White tailed deer usually have two offspring.
How long is the gestation period for white tailed deer?
Answer: The gestation period for white tailed deer is around 200 days.
When are white tailed deer most active?
Answer: White tailed deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
What do white tailed deer eat?
Answer: White tailed deer eat a variety of plants and vegetation.
What is the average lifespan of a white tailed deer?
Answer: The average lifespan of a white tailed deer is around 10 years.
How much does a white tailed deer weigh?
Answer: White tailed deer weigh between 100 and 200 pounds.
How fast can a white tailed deer run?
Answer: White tailed deer can run up to 30 miles per hour.
What is the natural predators of white tailed deer?
Answer: The natural predators of white tailed deer are wolves coyotes and cougars.
How do white tailed deer defend themselves?
Answer: White tailed deer use their keen sense of smell and hearing to defend themselves.
Are white tailed deer social animals?
Answer: White tailed deer are social animals and live in herds.
What is the average size of a white tailed deer herd?
Answer: The average size of a white tailed deer herd is around 10 deer.
How does the size of a white tailed deer herd change?
Answer: The size of a white tailed deer herd changes depending on the time of year and the availability of food.
What is the natural habitat of a white tailed deer?
Answer: The natural habitat of a white tailed deer is a forest.
Do white tailed deer migrate?
Answer: White tailed deer do migrate and typically travel around 100 miles.
