Deer with Antlers 29 cm - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
The whitetail deer is named for its signature tail, the underside of which is white and often the only part of the deer seen as it turns away to run, tail held up in the process.

Habitat
Deer can be found around the world. They are native to all continents except for Australia and Antarctica. There are about 100 types of deer, including the whitetail deer, reindeer, elk, moose, mule deer, blacktail deer and caribou. Deer can adapt well to just about any habitat. They prefer to live in "edge" habitats. Edges are human-made or natural habitat breaks, for instance from woods to croplands. They will use the woodlands for cover and shelter and the open land to graze in. In Northern latitudes, deer may live in different areas in the summer and winter months. These areas can be as far as 30 miles apart. Deer usually stay in the same area called a home range. These areas are shared by related females who form matriarchies that exclude adult males.

Behaviour
The whitetail deer have a 'language' unique to themselves, consisting of several distinct body movements. Flicking of tails, ear movement, curling of their lips, (this especially noticed in bucks during rut), and foot stomping are all signs of impending actions. Tail waving is often used to warn other deer of potential danger. Stomping feet is both a way they warn other deer of danger, and also to warn off unwanted deer to an area the deer considers his own. Bucks also will create rubs, or scrapes, both in removing the velvet covering of their horns, and in marking their territory.

Breeding
The breeding season for deer occurs between October and January. This period is called the "rut". During the "rut" the necks of the male deer will swell to more than double their normal diameter and their antlers will have lost their velvet. This will prepare them for fights with other buck to determine dominance and breeding rights. Fawns are able to stand and walk shortly after birth. The mother keeps them hidden in bushes and checks up on them about 6 times a day to feed them. Young deer stay with their mothers for 1-2 years.

Diet
Deer are herbivores. They eat grass, leaves, stems, shoots, berries, herbs, acorns, mushrooms, wild fruit and agriculture crops like corn and soy beans. Deer are ruminants (cud chewers) and have a four-chambered stomach. This adaptability in their food choices is one reason their terrain is so wide spread.

Strange and Interesting Facts
Fawns are protected by a lack of scent. Enemies cannot smell them.