Species MammalsWhite-tailed Deer

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

CommonMammal
Illustration of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Safety note: Observe wild deer from a safe distance.

The White-tailed Deer is North America's most abundant large wild mammal. Named for the white underside of its tail, flicked upright as an alarm signal. Males grow and shed antlers annually.

Habitat
Forests, meadows, farmland edges, and suburban areas
Diet
Grasses, forbs, leaves, acorns, and agricultural crops
How common
Common

Best time to see a White-tailed Deer

The best time to see a White-tailed Deer is January–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 315,061 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a White-tailed Deer? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent White-tailed Deer sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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