The Different Types of Deer Around the World
Do you know the different types of deer around the world? There are quite a few! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common deer species. We will also take a look at their physical characteristics and where they are found. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
In this article, we’ll list some of the most common deer species found in North America and other parts of the world. For each one, we’ll include some fascinating facts that you may not know!
Whitetail Deer
Identifying a whitetail deer can be tricky, as their coats change color with the seasons. In summer, they have reddish-brown fur, while in winter it turns to gray or brown. These medium-sized deer usually weigh between 100 and 300 pounds, though some females may only reach 100-200 pounds. Males (or bucks) can grow even larger, sometimes topping 300 pounds.
The whitetail deer got its name from the white fur on its underside, which acts as a warning sign to other deer. These distinctive markings make it easier for hunters and explorers to identify them.
Whitetail deer use body language to communicate; they’re known for giving hard looks and making antler threats when they’re angry. Male deer (bucks) usually make violent contact with their antlers during the rut (mating season). Fighting usually stops when one deer gets too tired, but sometimes bucks fight until one of them dies. If two bucks get tangled together, they can both die. Whitetail deer are highly sought after by bowhunters and rifle hunters.
Blacktail Deer
The blacktail is a deer species that typically resides in California and Alaska. They can be differentiated from other deer by their unique black tail with a white patch underneath.
Blacktails are smaller in size than both mule deer and whitetails, but similar to whitetails, they experience color change according to the season. Other key features of blacktails include their expressive ears, broad tails (usually black), and white patch beneath the tail.
The average blacktail weighs 130lbs, but some have been known to reach 200lbs. They can be easily confused with whitetails if it weren’t for their dark antlers with symmetrical branches and broader bodies.
Only male blacktails grow antlers – females don’t – which they begin developing around six months old. Blacktails mainly survive on a diet of fungi, nuts, berries, and acorns.
Vampire Deer
The vampire deer, or Chinese water deer, is rare because it does not have any antlers. It gets its nickname from its large canine teeth or ‘fangs.’ Vampire Deer are typically loners and prefer to live alone.
In addition to being easy to spot, these animals have other unique traits which include a very short tail and oversized ears. Their coats are gray/brown and they have brittle fur. They are harmless creatures that can often be found in Siberia and the Himalayas.
Brocket Deer
Brocket deer are quite uncommon; if you want to see one, you’ll likely have to travel near the Yucatan Peninsula. The word ‘Brocket’ comes from the French term for a young stag.
It’s not hard to see why this animal is hardly ever seen in the wild- they’re very small and have tiny antlers. They prefer to come out at night, but when they find a mate, they stick with them for life.
Males competing for a female will headbutt each other until one backs down. There isn’t necessarily a set time of year that these creatures mate, but it typically happens in the fall.
Mule Deer
Mule bucks are characterized by the presence of white patches on their hips and forked antlers. They’re commonly spotted across the Americas and often noted for their large ears.
A mule deer’s tail usually has a black pattern with distinctive white patches present on either side. The mule deer coat is typically gray/brown in coloration, helping them to better blend into desert climates.
The mule deer, which is similar to the white-tailed deer, is a very popular animal. They can weigh anywhere from 100lbs to more than 300lbs and many of them are located in the Rocky Mountains.
Red Deer
Red deer usually weigh between 100 and 225 pounds. They’re native to Europe and commonly found in Northern England and the Scottish lowlands, primarily in national parks. Along with Fallow deer, it’s one of the most common European deer breeds.
Red deer are quite interesting creatures. They can be 4.5 feet tall at the shoulder, and males are known as stags. They have large heads and widely spaced brown eyes, and their antlers can be very ornate with multiple points on them. These branches increase in number as they age!
In addition, red deer have unique hoof prints which might be mistaken for goat prints if you’re not paying attention.
Coues Deer
There are three types of deer in North America: white-tailed deer, mule deer, and black-tail deer. The smallest of these is the Coues Deer, found in southern Arizona. These agile creatures have long tails and distinctive forward-curving antlers.
In summer they are dark “salt and pepper” with white patches; during winter their coats turn a pale grayish brown. Although shy by nature, they will defend themselves if necessary using those same powerful antlers!
Reindeer
Reindeer have a reputation like no other breed, and they’re not just a Christmas legend -they’re real! Males are easily distinguished by their antlers, but all reindeer have other characteristics including broad hooves, muzzles, and extra-thick fur.
Reindeer are social animals that travel in herds and have a lifespan of 10-12 years in the wild. They inhabit Scandinavia, the Arctic, Canada, Alaska, and Northern Asia and feed primarily on vegetation like leaves, herbs, mosses, etc. Reindeer spend most of their time grazing.
Chital deer
The Chital deer, also called the spotted deer, is unique in that it is covered in white spots. These animals look similar to whitetail fawns when they are young, but their appearance doesn’t change as they age. The spots cover the entire body and span down the legs; making them quite easy to identify.
The Chital, also known as the Axis Deer, is a long-muzzled creature that Typically weighs 60lbs or more, depending on its location. It has six-pointed antlers but can sometimes grow more.
They were introduced to Texas at some point and now live there in the greatest numbers, though they’re usually spotted around glades rather than in rugged terrain.
Barasingha
The Barasingha, commonly called the swamp deer, is a breed of Indian origin that now inhabits many parts of Asia. It’s a large animal with Males measuring should height at 4ft and can weigh up to 600lbs while females only grow half that size.
They have wooly coats which come in colors yellow, white, or cream but during summer months may shift to a brownish hue. They are amazing swimmers and can live in both rainforests and grasslands, making them very adaptable creatures.
Elk
Elk were close to being wiped out during colonial times, but they are now doing very well, especially in the Western USA. They can also be found in West and Southern Canada. Thanks to reintroduction efforts, there are now a lot of Elk. Some of them can even grow up to 9ft tall!
Elk are characterized by their copper brown coats, although this shade may lighten to a tan color during the winter. Elk generally consume grassy plants; however, they also eat twigs, forbs, juniper, and berries. They can be killed by cougars, bears, wolves, and coyotes.
Conclusion
If you want to learn about deer or go hunting, educate yourself on the different types of deer first. There are all sorts of interesting deer species, like whitetails in North America and Barasinghas in South East Asia. If you’re planning a hunt soon, focus mainly on Elk, Whitetail deer, and Mule deer.
