Peaks in density occur every 12-20 yr. Gestation is nearly 7 mo. Births usually take place from April through May, but may occur from February through June. The precocial young are capable of climbing and assuming a defensive posture soon after birth, and can survive on a diet of vegetation by 2 wk of age. Lactation, however, may continue to September.
Infant mortality is low.
Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. Dodge, W. E. 1982. Pages 355-366 in J. A. Chapman and G. A. Feldamer, eds. Wild mammals of North America. Johns Hopkins Univ.