British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

Which deer species has a wide brown tail that flags when startled?

1. Fallow deer

2. White-tailed deer

3. Mule deer

4. Black-tailed deer

The correct answer is: White-tailed deer

The white-tailed deer is characterized by a wide brown tail that is often raised, or "flagged," when the animal becomes startled or frightened. This behavior is an important communication tool among deer and serves to alert other deer to potential danger. When the white-tailed deer runs away, the underside of its tail, which is white, becomes visible, creating a stark contrast against its brown body. This flagging behavior is a key identifying feature of the white-tailed deer, making it easy to recognize in the wild. In comparison, other deer species such as the fallow deer, mule deer, and black-tailed deer do not exhibit the same wide, flagging tail behavior. While they may have tails, these species lack the distinctive white underside that serves the same purpose in communication as seen in white-tailed deer. This unique trait of the white-tailed deer not only aids in identification but also plays a critical role in their survival and social behaviors within their habitats.