White-tailed Deer

deer · mammals · Americas · adaptable

Named for their tail. White-tailed deer get their name from the bright white underside of their tail, which they flash up like a warning flag when they sense danger. This bold white tail helps other deer in the group know that a predator is near.

Found everywhere in the Americas. These deer live across North and South America, from Canada all the way down to the Amazon rainforest and the Andes Mountains. They're the most common hoofed plant-eaters in the Americas.

Live almost anywhere. White-tailed deer are incredibly adaptable animals that thrive in grasslands, forests, swamps, and even mountains. This ability to survive in so many different habitats is one reason why they're so successful.

Hunted by big predators. Mountain lions are the main natural predator of white-tailed deer. The deer's speed and agility help them escape these powerful hunters.

Herbivores eating plants. White-tailed deer are herbivores, which means they only eat plants like grasses, leaves, and twigs. They spend much of their day foraging for food.