Mammals of Pennsylvania—White-tailed Deer

For a larger image, click on the picture

Mammals of PA Menu | Section of Mammals Home Page

Common Name: White-tailed deer

Scientific Name: Odocoileus virginianus

Habitat: Prefers forest edges but has adapted to a variety of habitats in the Commonwealth.

Diet: Herbivorous—diet reflects seasonal availability of browsing and grazing vegetation.

Interesting Facts: This is undoubtedly our most popular game species. The spots found on a white-tailed deer fawn represent a form of cryptic coloration. Meant to simulate the appearance of sunlight filtering through trees onto the forest floor, a fawn can go undetected while lying motionless only a few feet from a potential predator.

Further Reading: Click here for references