Although generally thought of as wildlife of forest and field, deer have become a sight in many suburban and urban areas. Many deer are killed each year on highways, resulting in substantial damage to vehicles, potential human injury and millions of dollars in insurance claims. Fawns are born in the spring after 200 days gestation. Twins are typically born in subsequent years in areas with adequate food resources. Triplets may also occur.
Bucks begin antler development in spring and antler size depends on both age and nutrition.
The growing bone is covered with hairy skin called velvet which nourishes the antler. The bone hardens and the velvet is rubbed off in the fall. Bucks shed their antlers each winter. Deer consume a variety of vegetative foods and show considerable preferences for individual plants and plant parts. Commonly-eaten foods include grasses, fruits, nuts, herbs and mushrooms, as well as leaves and stems from trees and shrubs.