How to Identify White Tail Deer
The white tail deer is thought to be the most widespread deer species in the world. Their population in the United States has continued to soar in spite of the fact that they're also the most popular game animal. Their ability for adapting to life alongside humans is amazing considering the rate at which we are developing the land that was once their natural habitat. If you spot an animal you think is a white tail, observe it closely for some of these signs.
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Instructions
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Take a look at the size of the animal you are observing. A mature white tail deer stands 3 to 4 feet high and is about 6 feet long. If the species you are viewing is small with white spots, it's probably a white tail yearling known as a fawn. If it's much larger in size, you may be looking at an elk.
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Notice the animal's tail. Since the deer are named after their distinguishable white tail, it's the most important marking to identify. They swish their tail back and fourth when calm and stand it straight up when they sense danger. So if you watch them long enough, you're bound to get a good look at it.
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Check out their legs. Deer have long, skinny legs that allow them to run at speeds up to 35 miles an hour and help them leap up to 8 feet in the air. Their pronged hooves look like big, thick black toenails.
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Look at their head to see if they have antlers. Male deer, known as bucks, will have long multi-pointed antlers on their head for about 9 months of the year. Unlike other animals that grow permanent horns, antlers are shed each winter and grown back every spring.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to try to spot a white tail deer, the best time to do it is when they're most active. Deer tend to bed down during the middle of the day, so get out in the early morning hours or at dusk.
