Image for Odocoileus virginianus

Odocoileus virginianus

Odocoileus virginianus, commonly known as the white-tailed deer, is a North American species of deer recognized for its distinctive white underside of the tail, which it raises when alarmed. Adults typically weigh between 100 to 300 pounds and have a reddish-brown coat in summer that turns grayish-brown in winter. They are social animals, often forming small groups, and primarily feed on a variety of vegetation, including leaves, fruits, and grasses. White-tailed deer are vital to ecosystems as they serve as prey for larger predators and play a role in seed dispersal. They are also a popular species for recreational hunting.