Blacktail Deer

Blacktail deer are native North American deer rather than introduced exotic deer. The name usually refers to the Columbian black-tailed deer of the Pacific Coast or the Sitka black-tailed deer of the coastal Northwest and Alaska. Bucks commonly weigh about 120–250 pounds depending on region, while does generally weigh about 80–150 pounds; Sitka blacktails are usually smaller. They have seasonal coats that range from reddish-brown in summer to gray-brown in winter, with a distinctive dark or black tail. Bucks carry forked antlers similar to mule deer but typically on a smaller frame. Blacktail deer are secretive, adaptable browsers that live in coastal forests, brush country, and mountain foothills. Because they are native to the western United States, they were not introduced into the country, although they have been managed, translocated, and restored regionally in some areas.