Black-tailed deer
A species of Hollow-tooth Scientific name : Odocoileus hemionus columbianus Genus : Hollow-tooth
Black-tailed deer, A species of Hollow-tooth
Scientific name: Odocoileus hemionus columbianus
Genus: Hollow-tooth
Content
Description General Info
Photo By U.S. Department of the Interior , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Black-tailed deer is well-adapted to diverse ecosystems, from coastal rainforests to dry mountainous regions, and showcases remarkable flexibility in diet, consuming a wide range of vegetation. Intriguingly, this species exhibits a unique 'stotting' behaviour when threatened: it bounds with stiff legs and high leaps, possibly to demonstrate fitness and deter predators. This adaptation plays an essential ecological role in saving energy and potentially deterring predators in extreme terrains.
General Info
Lifespan
9-13 years
Diet
Black-tailed deer primarily sustains on plant-based diet, thriving on a wide-ranging assortment of leaves, bark, and twigs. Particularly, it has a marked preference for Douglas-fir, cedar, and salal foliage during the colder months.
Appearance
Black-tailed deer is a moderately-sized deer with a slender, compact body. The fur is soft, dense, and typically gray-brown, becoming darker in winter. Males exhibit large, forward-curved antlers. This species has distinguishing white underparts, and an unusual tail which is black-tipped and white underneath. Juveniles are spotted and lighter in color. Gender reveals distinct variation, with males being larger and sporting antlers.
Behavior
Black-tailed deer is noted for its crepuscular behavior, with peak activity around dawn and dusk. Fittingly, this species is a browser, whose primary foraging typically involves shrubs and tree shoots. Additionally, it exhibits a solitary behavior, except for females with fawns. Males demonstrate robust territorial instincts during the rut, aggressively marking and defending their domain.
Photo By U.S. Department of the Interior , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original