How Do Deer Adapt to Their Environment?
Adaptations that help deer survive include being fast and agile, having strong muscles for kicking, cupped ears that pinpoint sounds, eyes on the sides of their heads and sensitive noses that pick up predator scents at 150 yards away or more. Deer have many predators, so their adaptations are largely related to early detection, running away and defending themselves with strong hind legs when cornered.
According to PawNation.com, deer such as the White-tailed Deer have top speeds of 30 miles per hour. The deer are able to jump over 10 feet high and 30 feet in length in one jump. This allows them to jump over and around obstacles more efficiently and quicker than many predators. Deer species such as this one often also hide their fawn with nearby vegetation. This is only necessary until the new deer is three weeks old. At that time, the newborn is able to run well enough to escape from predators. Having eyes on either side of their head also helps deer adapt to the tactics of predators. Sneaking up on deer becomes difficult since deer have such a wide field of vision. Deer also often wag their tails to signal to each other about potential dangers.
