The
most prominent species of deer found in San Luis Obispo County and
throughout the coastal ranges are the Black-Tailed Deer. On Cal
Poly Land specifically, the deer are usually found roaming the canyons
and hillsides. It's easiest to spot the Black-Tailed Deer in the
early mornings and evenings. However, the deer can also be active
during the day.
The Black-Tailed
Deer is a subspecies of the Mule Deer. They display Y-branched
antlers
(which the bucks, or males, shed once a year) and a tail that
is all black on top. In flight, this species of deer holds their
tail straight out. Their hooves also
leave characteristic heart-shaped prints.
When
the young are born they have spots and
lack scent, which enables them to hide from predators.
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