Family CERVIDAE 



203 



the mature and vigorous bucks may take unto themselves a 

 harem of several does. Breeding takes place in November or 

 December. Later, in December or in January, there is a re- 

 sorption of the bony material of each antler near the skull, and 

 the antlers are shed. 



Fawns are born in May or early June after a gestation period 

 of 7 months. A doe may produce one, two, or three young at a 

 birth. In Minnesota the average number of young per preg- 

 nant female is about 1.3. The young are protectively colored 

 with a reddish coat, dotted with white, fig. 110, and are nearly- 

 free of scent. Throughout the summer, males and females usu- 

 ally remain separate. 



Fig. 111. — Male and female adults of white-tailed deer. 



