A doe and two young fawns are spotted one early spring morning in a coastal research plot at the Bodega Marine Reserve field station. In white-tailed deer, older does are more successful at protecting their fawns compared to first-time moms. Older does perform distraction tactics that lead predators away from the fawns, and have been described as “striking” at coyotes and dogs.

Photo by Cassidy Cooper

Edited by Isabelle McDonald

References:

Ozoga, J. J., & Verme, L. J. (1986). Relation of maternal age to fawn-rearing success in white-tailed deer. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 480-486.