Stats

Lifespan: 6-14 yrs
Size: Medium
Diet: Herbivore
Activity: Crepuscular
Social: Herd
Biome: Temperate forest
Range: The Americas
Movement: Running
Breeding: Live Birth
Defense: Speed
Status: Common

About

A widespread North American cervid known for the bright white underside of its tail, which it raises like a flag when alarmed to signal danger to others in the herd.

Life cycle

1.
newborn fawn
A spotted fawn stays hidden in tall grass while its mother forages, lying motionless to avoid notice.
2.
juvenile
A weaned juvenile follows the herd, browsing alongside adults and losing its spots as its coat darkens.
3.
adult
Fully grown, taking part in the rut.

Learn more

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Genus: Odocoileus
Species: Odocoileus virginianus