Fuzzy, shy, and downright adorable, white-tailed deer are among the most abundant creatures in America’s woodlands. Adults are characterized by their reddish-brown coats, which fade to a grayer brown from summer to winter. They have excellent eyesight and hearing, and are even good enough swimmers to escape predators by crossing rivers or lakes with relative ease.

From how they got their name to the story behind their booming population in the United States, explore these 15 wonderful facts about white-tailed deer.

1 White-Tailed Deer Are Found in Central and North America

Even though they are native to North America, white-tailed deer have extended their range through Central America to Bolivia. Still, the vast majority live in southern Canada and throughout the mainland United States. They prefer open woodland but can also be found on the outskirts of developed urban areas and even near agricultural lands and cactus-filled deserts. An ideal habitat for a white-tailed deer consists of dense thickets of shrubs in which to hide and feed.

2 They Are the Most Common Deer Species in North America

The IUCN estimates the population of white-tailed deer in the United States to number over 11 million, and about a third live in the state of Texas. The white-tailed deer range has pushed farther up into Canada due to habitat loss, and there are believed to be half a million of them there already. Numbers in North America are stable and abundant, but in Mexico, Central America, and South America, most populations are declining.

3 Only Some Individuals Migrate

Experts believe that populations of white-tailed deer who live in low-quality home ranges are more likely to migrate to different locations in the summer. In contrast, those who are lucky enough to live in regions with better weather and more food abundance typically stay put throughout the year. Researchers studying white-tailed deer in Washington state have found that, surprisingly, survival rates for both migrating and non-migrating groups are nearly identical. In fact, annual survival rates for migrating deer were slightly higher, at 0.85 compared to non-migratory individuals at 0.84.

4 White-Tailed Deer Grazing Can Influence the Ecosystem

Since white-tailed deer are so abundant, their grazing can significantly affect the composition of plants within their habitats. Throughout the northern United States, tree seedling abundance decreases when white-tailed deer density grows above 5.8 individuals per square kilometer (0.38 square miles) in most forests. Introduced or non-native plant species, however, increase in areas with higher deer density. As ruminant animals, they typically feed on what’s most available to them, their four-chambered stomachs allowing them to digest anything from leaves, twigs, moss, and even fungi. They also consume the buds of maple trees, poplar trees, birch trees, and shrubs, switching to hardier plants and conifers in the winter when food becomes scarce.

5 They Often Live Alone

One would think that such a populous species would prefer to live in large groups, but the white-tailed deer is generally a solitary creature. They tend to live alone, especially during the summer months, and males and females only interact during mating season. Most of the time, if you see multiple deer together, it is either a female (called a “doe”) and her babies (called “fawns”) or a small group of young adult males (called “bucks”). 

6 Disney’s Bambi Was Modeled After a White-Tailed Deer

According to the New England Historical Society, one of Disney’s earliest animators helped bring white-tailed deer to the big screen in 1942. Walt Disney himself hired Maurice Day for the film, and the artist would reportedly settle for nothing less than a white-tailed deer from his home state of Maine as the model for the young fawn. As a result, two 4-month-old deer were transported from Maine to Hollywood after a four-day train ride across the country to model Bambi, and the rest is cinematic history.

7 They Live Three Times Longer in Captivity Than in the Wild

Most wild white-tailed deer live to about two or three years old, and most adults don’t make it past 10. On the other hand, deer held in captivity can live up to three times longer than their wild counterparts, something scientists believe has to do specifically with the difference in diet. Not only do captive white-tailed deer deal with significantly less stress because they aren’t required to find their own food, but studies have found that their diets contain more protein and less carbon.

8 Only Bucks Grow Antlers

Female white-tailed deer don’t have antlers, but males begin growing them at just a few months old. Made of a combination of bone and keratin (the same material that makes up human hair and fingernails), antlers are used to attract females and to spar against other males to assert dominance. It has been well-documented that both body size and antler size are positively associated with annual breeding success among males, and older males with larger antlers are more likely to breed than those with smaller ones. Males shed their antlers every year, a completely natural process caused by a drop in testosterone after the end of mating season.

9 White-Tailed Deer Are Important Prey Animals for Large Predators

Although humans remain the largest predator for white-tailed deer, they are also preyed on by wolves, mountain lions, bears, jaguars, and coyotes. This predator-prey relationship is especially important to the local food chain and can leave more room for the survival of stronger, healthier animals, and also help control the spread of disease through population control.

10 They Are the Smallest of North America’s Deer Species

With an average height between 31 and 39 inches at the shoulders, white-tailed deer are smaller than other North American species. While white-tailed deer and mule deer are the only species native to the United States, there are also caribou, moose (the largest member of the deer family), brocket deer, and elk that now call North America home.

11 They Can Run 30 Miles per Hour and Jump Higher Than 8 Feet

White-tailed deer have been recorded bounding speeds of up to 30 miles per hour through the forest, and researchers have found that their jumping abilities are even more impressive. A study in the Journal of Wildlife Management found that wild deer could jump fences just under 8 feet tall. After the experiment, they surveyed over 150 wildlife biologists who routinely observe deer close to fences and found at least six who said they had witnessed a deer jumping a 7.87-foot fence.

12 White-Tailed Deer Are Known for Their Grunts

From snorts to bleats, white-tailed does and fawns make a variety of sounds. Males, however, are especially known for their loud grunts, which they make to show their dominance to other bucks nearby. Adults and offspring will also make soft grunts to communicate with each other, but they are often much longer and quieter than a buck grunt. These aggressive buck grunts are strictly social, used to announce their presence in the area and send a message to other males.

13 They Can Weigh Up to 300 Pounds

Despite being the smallest of the North American deer, white-tailed deer can still hold their own in terms of weight. A mature buck may weigh anywhere from 200 to 300 pounds, while females show much more variety in size, averaging 90 to 200 pounds.

14 White-Tails Make Up Most of the United States Hunting Industry

Each year, the National Deer Association reports on the hunting status of the North American population of white-tailed deer. In 2018, deer harvest went up in the states of Kentucky, Missouri, New England, New York, and Wisconsin. The year 2017 saw a total of 2,878,998 bucks killed throughout the United States, up 2% from the previous year. Texas, which also holds the highest concentration of white-tailed deer in the country, shot the most bucks (506,809), and Rhode Island shot the least (782).

15 They’re Named for Their White Tails

True to its name, the white-tailed deer has a white tail, though only on the underside; the top of its tail maintains the same light brown color as the rest of its body. When a white-tailed deer is alarmed or senses danger, it flips its tail up to display the white underside in a motion called “flagging.” Apart from being white on the bottom, their tails are also larger and broader than other deer species.

SOURCE: TREEHUGGER.COM

From: THESPRUCEPETS:

The Boston terrier is a small non-sporting dog breed from the United States bred to serve as a companion dog. Nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” these well-mannered, bright, affectionate canines make wonderful four-legged friends and family dogs. With their short, smooth, black and white coat that’s patterned to resemble a tuxedo jacket, the Boston terrier is undeniably adorable and can easily be described as dapper.

Boston terriers typically like to be around their humans as much as possible and are eager to please. They tend to get along with just about everyone, including young children who know not to be too rough, other household dogs, and dog-friendly cats. With their friendly, lively, and active personalities, it’s no wonder that the Boston terrier is such a popular breed.

Boston terriers typically have happy, friendly, and affectionate temperaments. Their love of play and comical nature also help to mold their personalities. They’re typically good around people, including kids and strangers, and they often get along well with other pets.

Despite their small size, Boston terriers are active, high-energy canines that tend to do well in dog sports such as flyball and agility. These intelligent dogs can easily be taught tricks, but are sometimes stubborn, so don’t expect your Boston terrier to obey every time you give a command.

This is a brachycephalic breed, meaning that the face is flat, with a somewhat “squashed” appearance. Keep in mind, however, that like other breeds with this facial structure, Bostons can overheat easily and should be allowed to rest when needed.

Surprisingly, the friendly, playful, and sometimes silly Boston terrier is a descendant of dogs that were originally bred for pit fighting and other “blood sports” popular in 19th-century England. However, the Boston terrier today is generally non-aggressive towards humans, nor prone to fighting or aggression with other dogs. Most are outgoing and well-mannered with just about everyone.

The Boston terrier’s story began in the 1860s when a Boston man named William O’Brien purchased a bulldog-white English terrier mix from England named Judge. O’Brien ended up selling Judge to another Bostonian named Robert C. Hooper. Records refer to “Hooper’s Judge” as the father of the Boston terrier breed from which all Bostons descend. 

Judge was a muscular, tough, but fairly small dog, weighing in at around 30 pounds. His head was square, and his coat was dark brindle with a white stripe down his face. Judge was bred with a small, white, bulldog-type female, and that launched the selective breeding process. Breeders specifically were looking to create a small, friendly companion dog.

In 1891, the Boston Terrier Club of America was founded. And soon after in 1893, the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed. Since then, the Boston terrier has become quite popular throughout the United States. It’s Boston University’s official mascot, as well as the official dog for the state of Massachusetts. 

For the most part, Bostons are a fairly low-maintenance breed. They do require regular exercise, grooming, and training, like any dog, but in amounts that are lower than many other breeds. If left alone too often, however, or not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become destructive or develop annoying behaviors. Remember that your Boston terrier was bred to be a companion dog and wants to be with you as much as possible.

Exercise

Boston terriers are relatively energetic and should receive about an hour of exercise per day. A couple of daily walks, games of fetch, playing with puzzle toys, and running around in a secure area should suffice. Dog sports, such as agility and rally, can help to burn their mental and physical energy. The key is that Bostons prefer to be active with their humans. If you leave them to their own devices, they might become bored and develop problem behaviors, such as unwanted chewing. 

Moreover, due to the Boston’s flat face, the breed is prone to breathing issues. Discuss this with your vet, and know how to spot the signs of labored breathing during exercise.

SOURCE: THESPRUCEPETS.COM

Baltimore Orioles measure 7 – 8 1/2 inches long. The male bird is black with orange underparts, rump, shoulders, and sides of the tail. His wings have 2 white wing bars. The female Baltimore Oriole looks quite different than the male. She is olive above, and yellowish below with 2 white wing bars. This particular Oriole bird is found east of the Rockies.

The breeding season begins in late April to early May. The males arrive 2 or 3 days before the females and begin claiming their territories. You’re likely to hear them singing from treetops in their effort to attract a mate. Their singing is almost constant until they mate with a female. Unlike the Northern Mockingbird though, these birds do not sing at night. Generally, any singing late in the season is from unmated or immature birds. Once the birds have found a mate they defend their territory and begin nesting.

The female selects a site for the nest, usually in a deciduous tree, often a tall one. Orioles prefer trees such as Elm, Cottonwood, or Maples to build their nest. The nest is typically located at the end of a branch, which provides some protection against predators. The female gathers materials for the nest, which can include plant, animal, and even human-made materials. This often includes grass, bark, hair, and twine. She may also use spider silk as a binding agent. The female weaves the nest, creating a small cup shape. She starts by weaving a loop around a twig. Then she weaves additional material, including long grasses and strips of bark, in and out of the loop. The weaving process can take as long as a week.

Once the basic structure is complete, the female lines the inside of the nest with soft materials, such as plant down, fur, or feathers, to provide a comfortable and warm environment for the eggs and chicks. The outside of the nest is often decorated with gray and white lichen, which helps to camouflage it against the tree. Nest can be anywhere from 6 to 90 feet above the ground.

While it’s quite common for them to return each year to the same territory, they will not use the same nest. They often take parts of the old nest to build a new one, so you may see them at the old nest site. Bird watchers will find the best viewing of the Baltimore Oriole’s nest when the leaves are off the trees. You’ll see them at the end of branches high in shade trees.

The preferred habitat of Orioles is in open woodlands of deciduous trees near parks, gardens, and suburban settings. In this tightly woven hanging nest, the female lays 3 to 6 pale blue with dark marks eggs. Incubation of the eggs is done by the female with the male always close by and watching. Incubation will last 12 to 14 days and the young birds will leave the nest in 12 to 14 days after hatching.

Baltimore Orioles nest only once each season and do not use birdhouses. Cowbirds have a difficult time laying eggs in the Oriole’s nest but still do. Orioles can tell the difference between their eggs and Cowbird’s eggs. Either the Oriole will eat the Cowbird’s eggs, or eject them from the nest.

The main diet of the Baltimore Oriole consists of insects, fruits, and flower nectar. At the feeding station orange halves or grape jelly placed in a shallow bowl will draw them in. Another option is by providing a sugar-water mixture. 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. No need to boil the sugar-water mixture. Replace often during hot weather.

Often we’re asked “What happened to our Oriole birds”? “They were here every day eating our oranges and grape jelly and now they’re gone”. The simple answer is that Orioles often disappear from feeders because they switch to a protein-rich diet while nesting and feeding their young to ensure healthy growth. This means they are hunting insects instead of visiting your feeders. They also may have started migrating south. Don’t worry, sometimes the adults will bring their young to the feeders once they’ve left the nest. So be prepared for a return after a 4-week absence.

Spring migration begins in April when male Baltimore Orioles begin to arrive at their breeding grounds roughly East of the Rockies. The winter migration to the South can begin as early as July, which is much earlier than most species. Still, you may see some Orioles well into September or a little later in their Southern range.

SOURCE: WILD-BIRD-WATCHING.COM