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White-tailed deer

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A recent study has found widespread infection of white-tailed deer with the SARS-CoV-2 virus across New York.

Key facts about White-tailed deer:

  • They are the smallest members of the North American deer family.
  • Scientific name: Odocoileus virginianus
  • Distribution: They are found in North America from southern Canada through Central America.

Habitat:

    • Includes areas along streams and rivers, mixed woodlands, farms, forests, and burned shrub fields.
    • Open areas are used only when thick shrubs or forests are nearby.

Features:

    • It is tan or brown in the summer and grayish brown in winter.
    • It has white on its throat, around its eyes and nose,  on its stomach, and on the underside of its tail.
    • Only male deer grow antlers, which are shed each year.
    • They are excellent runners. They can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
  • IUCN Status: ‘Least Concern’