Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer are highly-valued and many people enjoy observing them in the countryside; they are included in our pest guides simply because we provide a service to protect shrubbery and trees from damage caused by Deer grazing in suburban and residential areas.
Appearance
- Reddish-brown coat which turns to grey-brown through Fall and Winter.
- White underside to its tail.
- 60-90" in length including tail.
- Males over 1 year old have antlers.
Lifecycle
- Mating occurs October to December.
- Females give birth to 1-3 spotted fawns mid to late Spring. They lose their spots during the first Summer.
- After mating, bucks shed their antlers and grow a larger set between January and April.
- Life span is approx 10 years in the wild, 20 years in captivity.
Habits
- Feeding – Variety of vegetation, shoots, leaves, cactus, grasses, acorns, fruit, corn.
- Only male deer grow antlers, which are shed each year.
- Location - Prefer open woodland, but often found on the fringes of urban areas and in farming country.
Residential Pest Control
0800 552 004
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Dealing with Wildlife in and around your Home