Virginia wildlife
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Virginia's official state mammal; abundant in forests + suburbs.
See the White-tailed deer up close
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Typical best viewing is at dawn or dusk along forest edges or meadows; check the refuge or park report for current deer activity hotspots.
Where to look
Conservation status
Stable; ~850,000-1M in Virginia per DWR
Good to know
What is the best month to see white-tailed deer in Virginia?
October through November is typical for peak activity during the rut, but they are present year-round.
Are white-tailed deer dangerous to humans?
They are generally not aggressive, but does may defend fawns and bucks can be aggressive during the rut; vehicle collisions are a real risk, especially at dawn and dusk.
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