Deer, Black-tailed

Physical Features

The Black-tailed Deer is a subspecies of the Mule Deer. These Black-tails are smaller than either White-tailed or Mule Deer. Beside its smaller size the Black-tailed Deer is differentiated from Mule Deer by their larger tail, the back of which is covered with black or dark brown hairs. Mule deer on the other hand have smaller tails in which only the tip is covered with black hairs. Like the doe (females), the Black-tailed Deer buck (males) has a distinctive dark brown to almost black, brush like tail that is white underneath. The male is however much larger in size and he has antlers that are absent in the female. The mature buck antlers bifurcate into Y-shapes horns. A mature Black-tailed Tailed bucks weighs between 105-200 lb/48-90kg whereas the does weigh between 90-140 lb/40-65 kg. Sitka Deer are even smaller than the Black-tailed Deer.

Habitat

Black-Tailed Deer are mostly found on the edge of the forest where they can access both food and hiding places from predators and against harsh weather. A good example is the temperate coniferous forests along the Pacific Coast, which are characterized by cool temperatures and lots of rain, but the overall climate is mild. Old forest growth is of importance to the coastal Black-tails, as the habitat provides shelter, forage, and prevent buildups of deep, heavy snow. The Black-tailed Deer are currently found in northern California, western Oregon, Washington, in coastal and interior British Columbia, and the Alaskan panhandle.

Diet

Black-tailed Deer are browsers in winter and early spring and then feed on grass, new plant growth and a wide variety of herbs, as well as browse in summer and fall. They also feed on acorns when available. That Black-tailed Deer are known to browse the western poison oak.

Meat

Black-tailed Deer meat has a low fat content, low in calories and low in cholesterol. Its meat is dark red and said to be more richly flavored compared to beef, having a distinct gamey taste. Deer meat has been a source of protein for Native Americans for a long time. Anciently the Black-tailed was to man a source of meat, skin and also for recreation.

Behavior

Black-tailed Deer generally feed at dawn and dusk. Depending on where they are located, they may exhibit seasonal migrations. During winter they move from high to low altitudes and back up again during summer. They are not very social but tend to form small bands, which cooperatively establish a territory within recognized landmarks and defend it against intruders. This behavior serves to protect the bands' available food and is quite important to their winter survival. Unlike the alarm flight of the Whitetail Deer, the Black-tailed Deer flee from danger with a stiff-legged bouncing style of leaping run. Their breeding season extends from October through December with their gestation period lasting between 200-220 days. The female gives birth to 1 fawn during her first pregnancy and twins thereafter. At birth, a fawn will weigh about 7 pounds/3.1752kg. They are frequently involved in car accidents where they are hit by a speeding vehicle.

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