Deer: Cervidae
Behavior And Reproduction
Some deer are solitary (lone), but most species are polygynous (puh-LIH-juh-nus; one male to several female mates). Depending on species, they live in mother-offspring pairs or herds numbering into the tens of thousands of individuals.
Gestation (pregnancy) periods vary depending on species, but usually single births, sometimes twins, result. Calves are nursed (fed mother's milk) for a short time. Most babies are born able to walk, even run, within hours.
Predators include wolves, grizzly bears, coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, and wild cats. Life expectancy varies by species. Some deer live an average of two years, while others can live past the age of fifteen years.
Additional topics
- Deer: Cervidae - Conservation Status
- Deer: Cervidae - Physical Characteristics
- Other Free Encyclopedias
Animal Life ResourceMammalsDeer: Cervidae - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, Siberian Musk Deer (moschus Moschiferus): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, DEER AND PEOPLE