Mammals of North Carolina:
their Distribution and Abundance
White-tailed Deer - Odocoileus virginianus
Cervidae Members:
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Photo by: Betty Anderson
Distribution In NC, it occurs across the entire state, in all counties, though it is likely absent on a few islands.

The White-tailed Deer occurs over nearly all of the United States and southern Canada, except for most of the far western states and the Southwest.
Abundance Very common to abundant across the state, especially for such a large mammal. It is so numerous that it can sustain hundreds of thousands being harvested annually by hunters. In fact, it is often considered as a pest, at least in some areas.
Seasonal Occurrence Occurs year-round, easily visible at any time of year.
Habitat Generally in forested areas for sleeping, breeding, and some foraging. However, it moves into fields, yards, and other open areas to forage at night. Deer favor bottomland hardwoods, but most any forest will suffice, at least with moderate to somewhat dense cover of shrubs and understory trees, and a moderate herb layer (for food).
See also Habitat Account for General Mixed Habitats
Behavior Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal in their foraging and other activities, typically resting in cover during the day.
Comments White-tailed Deer need no introduction. Most people see them weekly or monthly, at least if they live or drive in the country, especially driving at night. Deer are notorious for over-browsing herbaceous and low woody vegetation in some parks and other protected areas, causing local extirpations of plants and certainly impacting small animals that feed on herbaceous vegetation or use such vegetation and shrubs for cover. Deer also are pests in yards and gardens, eating plants in yards.
Origin Native
NC List Official
State Rank S5
State Status
Global Rank G5
Federal Status
subspecies Odocoileus virginianus virginianus
other_comName
synonym
NC Map
Map depicts all counties with a report (transient or resident) for the species.
Click on county for list of all database records for species in that county.