Odocoileus virginianus
White-tailed Deer in the Shuswap
Hello, Nice to see you here in the Shuswap Lake area of southern British Columbia, Canada. Yes winter is here and you’ve been looking for pictures of Virginia or White-tailed Deer? What’s been going on with Odocoileus virginianus this winter? Come and have a look around at the White-tailed Deer in the Shuswap winter.
White-tailed Fawn in winter
Today this doe and fawn are bedded down in the snow for a mid morning rest. What will they do for the rest of the day? Enjoying the sunshine for now, later on they will take a walk up the path and visit the bird feeder about 3:00pm for a look and a browse. Staying close to the yard, where the snow is not so deep, this fawn and doe are quite at home. They do stay close to the forest edge in case a quick getaway is required. Nobody will bother them here. They are part of the family, safe here for as long as they choose to remain.
White-tailed Doe in winter
Only a few years ago, this doe was herself the fawn of the family. Now she shows her young one the trails and paths which we sometimes cross. Staying on the same game trail makes it easier for the White-tailed deer in the winter, although the snow is not as deep this year. These White-tailed Deer have been foraging along the beaver dams which divide the frozen lower ponds. There is tasty Red Osier Dogwood to be found. White-tailed Deer will eat twigs, shrubs and in the fall will eat choice mushrooms and other fungi. Not to mention browsing around in the garden for fresh strawberry plants or a tender young raspberry twig.
Virginia Deer
The deer can disappear quickly into the forest. They are going to the ridge, where they have a good view of what is going on and plenty of warning if danger is approaching. The ridge is usually the first place I look for them when out for a morning snowshoe.
Odocoileus virginianus
When alarmed the Odocoileus virginianus will raise or flag its tail, showing a white flash to signal danger to the other deer. White-tails will snort and stamp the ground. White-tailed deer are excellent swimmers and will take to the water to escape from insects, predators or just to cool down in the Shuswap summer.
Whited-tailed Deer – Twin
Looking for summer pictures of Odocoileus virginianus in the Shuswap Lake area of British Columbia? Follow this link to the Photo Gallery at E-Fauna BC, who has kindly published more White-tailed Deer pictures and other local wildlife images taken by Dawn Kellie in the Shuswap Lake area.
Virginia Deer
I’ll have more pictures of Odocoileus virginianus or Virginia Deer for you at my website www.shuswaplakephotos.ca at a later date. Friendly links in the Blogroll for you.Thanks again for your comments and visits to the Shuswap.
Please be Environmentally Friendly. Until next time!
