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| White Tail Deer, Public Domain |
White-tailed Deer
Family
Cervidae
Extinct
in Indiana by 1930s
Reintroduced
in 1934 and populations from Michigan immigrated south
Home
range 1 to 2 miles
Deer
in Spring
Males
start growing antlers again, triggered by increased sunlight (mid-March to
April)
Shed
thick winter coats through a process called molting
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| White-tailed Fawn, Public Domain |
Fawns
born late May to early June
Usually
1-2 are born
200
day gestation cycle
Weigh
4 to 8 pounds
Double
weight in 2 weeks
Learn
to walk and follow mother quickly
Spotted,
reddish, silky fur—helps with camouflage
Little
to no scent to help prevent predation
Lie
motionless when danger presents
Often
assumed orphans though mother is nearby
Little
noise yet bleats when in distress
Does
are alert and aggressive to protect fawns
Ward
off predators
Leave
fawns alone to feed
Comes
running when fawn bleats
Deer
relax and replenish bodies from long, harsh winter
Reacquaint
with environment
Readjust
social relations as some may have died over winter
Bucks
may find new dominant buck, using front feet to spar
Eat
wild herbs, nutrient rich foliage in spring
Consume
large amounts of salt in spring
Sources of information:
