Photo of a doe & fawn.(306K Image.)
1. Fur reddish (summer) to gray (winter).
2. Tail white on the underside. When alarmed the white-tailed deer raises its tail so the white is visible. This is a signal to other deer that danger is present.
3. Bony antlers (males only) with one main branch & many small upward spikes on it. The antlers are shed during the winter. The number of spikes do not indicate the absolute age of the deer.
4. Hooves with 2 toes on the ground. The hooves are really thickened toenails.
5. Important game animal. This animal is largely protected west of the Cascade Mountains, although there is a limited hunting season.