Scientific Name: Odocoileus Virginianus

Description: Average height is 3-3.5 feet, with weight averaging 150 pounds. Coloration ranges from reddish-brown in summer to

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grayish-brown in winter. Males have antlers. The bushy tail is white underneath and is used to signal alarm.

Breeding: Babies are born from May to early July and stay with their mother through September. They are dappled with large, white spots which disappear usually during the 5th month. They may have from 1 to 4 babies and twins are not uncommon. Babies are born with their eyes open and are able to stand and walk within an hour of being born. During the early days following birth, fawns have no odor and will remain absolutely motionless if a predator is nearby.

Habits & Haunts: In order to not lead predators to her fawn, does leave their young babies alone. Generally, if there is not a dead doe in the area or on nearby roads, the fawn is NOT an orphan. Mothers will often visit the fawns briefly throughout the day to nurse them, or, if she feels it is unsafe (this means you), she may not return until after dark.

Food: Food ranges from grasses, grains and fruit in warmer months, to the woody portions of trees and shrubs in winter. The current large deer population, along with shrinking habitat, has now forced the animals to live and eat in our backyards (much to the chagrin of gardeners!).

Found an Orphan?  Click here

 

 

 

 

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