White Tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus

Identification
This species has a reddish brown summer coat and a gray brown winter coat. Its tail flashes white when alarmed.

Location
Common statewide

Size
90 to 300 pounds

Diet
It feeds on leaves twigs crops and herbaceous plants.

Habitat
It occupies forests fields and suburban areas across Ohio.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is social and forms small groups outside the breeding season. It is crepuscular and highly adaptable. It is active year round with increased movement during the breeding season.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in autumn and fawns are born in late spring.

Population
The population is stable and managed through regulated hunting.

History
It has long been native to Ohio and recovered after early declines.

Human Interactions
It frequently interacts with humans in suburban areas.

Facts
It is the state mammal of Ohio.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Herbs leaves twigs crops | Forests fields suburbs | Statewide