Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, commonly known as the Columbian black-tailed deer, is a subspecies of deer that belongs to the family Cervidae. It is native to western North America, primarily found in regions along the Pacific Coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, and parts of British Columbia.
The Columbian black-tailed deer is a medium-sized ungulate with males, known as bucks, typically weighing between 150-200 pounds (68-91 kilograms) and standing around 2-2.5 feet (60-76 centimeters) tall at the shoulder. Females, known as does, are slightly smaller, weighing around 90-150 pounds (41-68 kilograms) and standing at around 1.5-2 feet (45-60 centimeters) tall. Their coat coloration varies depending on age and season, but they generally have dark brown fur with a lighter grayish-brown underbelly and a characteristic white patch on the throat and between the eyes.
The Columbian black-tailed deer is primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of vegetation including grasses, leaves, twigs, and fruits. They are most active during twilight hours and are known for their excellent hearing and sense of smell. They reproduce through sexual reproduction, with mating occurring in the autumn, followed by a gestation period of around 6-7 months. The female gives birth to a single fawn, who will stay with its mother until it reaches sexual maturity at around 1-2 years of age.
This subspecies of deer has significant ecological and recreational value, serving as a prey species for apex predators and supporting local ecosystems. They are also of interest to wildlife enthusiasts and hunters who appreciate their aesthetic beauty and use
