Have you ever wondered about the different types of deer in the US? Ever see a deer and think it looks a little different than the ones you usually see? Here is a list of the most common deer in the United States. If you have deer eating your garden or landscape they should be on this list.
White-Tailed Deer
The most common type of deer found in the US, found in all states except Alaska. Population estimates vary widely, but it is believed that there are around 30 million white-tailed deer in the US. Follow the link to the white-tailed deer populations per state. White-tailed deer are perhaps the most common species of deer in North America. They are found throughout most of the United States and Canada and are easily recognizable by their characteristic white tail, which is raised when the deer is alarmed. White-tailed deer are medium-sized animals, with males (bucks) weighing between 130 and 300 pounds and females (does) weighing between 90 and 200 pounds. They have reddish-brown coats in the summer that turn grayish-brown in the winter.
Mule Deer
The second most populous deer type in the US is mule deer. Found primarily in the western US, with a population of around 4 million. Mule deer are found in the western United States and Canada, from the Great Plains to the Pacific Ocean. They are the largest of the three species, with males weighing between 130 and 330 pounds and females weighing between 90 and 200 pounds. Mule deer have large, mule-like ears, which distinguish them from the other species. They also have a grayish-brown coat with a white rump patch.
Black-tailed Deer
Found in the western US and Canada, with a population of around 1 million. Black-tailed deer are found in the Pacific Northwest, from Northern California to Alaska. They are smaller than white-tailed deer, with males weighing between 120 and 280 pounds and females weighing between 90 and 200 pounds. Black-tailed deer have black-tipped tails and a distinctive gray-brown coat that is lighter in color than that of the mule deer.
Deer Types: How Can I Tell Them Apart?
How can I tell white-tail, black-tail, and mule apart?
While white-tailed, black-tailed, and mule deer may look similar, there are some key differences that can help you identify them:
Tail: The easiest way to tell these species apart is by their tails. White-tailed deer have a characteristic white tail that is raised when the deer is alarmed. Black-tailed deer have black-tipped tails, while mule deer have a white rump patch.
Ears: Mule deer have the largest ears of the three species, while white-tailed deer have smaller, more rounded ears.
Coat: While all three species have brownish-gray coats, mule deer tend to have a more grayish-brown coat, while black-tailed deer have a lighter coat than the other two species.
Antlers: Mule deer have bifurcated antlers that fork into two main branches, while white-tailed deer and black-tailed deer have antlers that grow upward and branch out.
Do they live together?
While these three species of deer can sometimes be found in the same areas, they tend to occupy different habitats. White-tailed deer prefer wooded areas and are often found near water sources, while mule deer prefer drier, more open habitats, such as sagebrush and grasslands. Black-tailed deer occupy a range of habitats, from coastal rainforests to mountainous areas. While these species may occasionally share habitats, they generally do not live together.
Do they eat the same things?
Do the different deer types eat the same thing. You will need to know this if you are planning a deer control program. All three species of deer are herbivores and eat a similar diet of leaves, twigs, and fruits. However, they may have some differences in their preferred foods. For example, mule deer have been known to eat more sagebrush than the other two species. White-tailed deer are also known to browse on agricultural crops, which can make them a nuisance to farmers and gardeners.
Virginia deer: Found in the eastern US, with a population of around 1 million.
Elk: Found in the western US and Canada, with a population of around 1 million.
Moose: Found primarily in Alaska, with a population of around 200,000.
Caribou: Found in Alaska, with a population of around 200,000.
These are the most common types of deer found in the US, and the population estimates are approximate. The exact numbers and distribution of deer populations can vary depending on factors such as hunting, habitat loss, and disease.