The World of Deer

Deer information, history, and facts to help you understand this beautiful species and the role it plays in our ecosystem.

Referenced by the Following Media Outlets

As Seen On PBS.org, NJ.com, INaturalist (a joint venture of the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic), and the University of Michigan Zoological Museum Blog - AnimalDiversity.org

As a trusted source of information about deer, we are regularly cited by news outlets, nonprofits, and top publications across the web.

Since 2005, WorldDeer.org has provided facts and information about the many species of deer found around the world, along with the history of this unique animal.

Today on this website you’ll find thoughtful, accurate articles that seek to explain deer behavior and the relationship between humans and deer, enhanced with stunning photographs of deer in the wild.

Read Our Latest Articles About Deer

If you’re looking for information about the biology and behavior of deer, or answers to common questions about deer, you can learn a lot about this unique species of ungulates on this website. Start here, or explore more of our articles.

Red Deer vs Elk

Red Deer vs Elk Comparison

With so many different types of deer on the planet, it’s hard to keep them all straight. Just one point of confusion is how to distinguish the Red Deer from the North American Elk (Wapiti).

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Do Deer Hibernate

Do Deer Hibernate?

Most of us know that some animals (such as the North American black bear) hunker down to sleep through the cold winter months. This is called hibernation. Have you ever wondered what deer do in

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Learn About Different Types of Deer

There are many different types of deer, and our website has information about just about all of them. We invite you to check out a few of the most interesting deer species below, and continue to explore our website to learn more about the many different types of deer around the world.

Pere David Deer

Pere David Deer

Native to the river valleys of China, the Pere David Deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is sometimes referred to as the Milu or the Elaphur.

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Coues Deer

Coues Deer

Ever been to a state park in the American Southwest or Mexico? If so, maybe you’ve seen a Coues deer. They’re a subspecies of the well-known American white-tailed deer. These deer are smaller than regular

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South Andean Deer

South Andean Deer

The South Andean Deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) is a species of endangered deer native to the Andes mountain range in Argentina and Chile. Sometimes referred to as the Chilean Huemul or Southern Guemal, this elegant deer

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Reindeer

Reindeer

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are species of deer found at high latitudes and a number of longitudes around the world. They inhabit cool climates, and are native to the arctic, sub-arctic, tundra, boreal, and mountain ranges

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White Tailed Deer

White Tailed Deer

White Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most vigorous and well-distributed wild ungulate in North America. Sometimes referred to as Virginia Deer or simply Whitetail, this deer can be found throughout North, central, and south America,

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Philippine Spotted Deer

Philippine Spotted Deer

The Philippine Spotted Deer — also called the Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi) or Alfred’s Deer — is an endangered species endemic to the Philippine Islands. It lives on the Visayan island chain. This deer

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Basic Information About Deer

  • There are many different species of deer found around the world. All are hoofed ruminant mammals that collectively form the family Cervidae. In this family there are two primary groups: Cervinae (which includes North American Elk (Wapiti), Red Deer, and Fallow Deer), and Capreolinae (which includes species such as White-Tailed Deer, Roe Deer, Moose, and Reindeer).
  • Deer live and thrive in a variety of microclimates around the globe. Some species are right at home on the frozen Tundra, while others easily navigate the dense brush of tropical rainforests. While we typically associate forests with deer, most species prefer the areas of transition between thick forests and open grasslands. This is why there’s some evidence that logging actually benefits deer in some parts of the world, though they always require adequate forest and brush cover for populations to thrive.
  • Deer come in all shapes and sizes – ranging from the imposing Moose of North America (which can stand 8.5 feet tall and is the largest species of deer), to the tiny Northern Pudu of the Andes mountain range (which typically measures just 13-14 inches in height and is the smallest species of deer in the world).
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