DEERS

Description of Deer The Deer is described as the collective name for Artiodactyl  ruminant mammals of the family Cervidae. Ruminant animals are even-toed, cud-chewing, hoofed, usually horned mammals which have a stomach divided into four (occasionally three) compartments. Deer are characterised by having deciduous antlers which are borne chiefly by the males. Examples of ruminant mammals are cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and giraffes. The deer family also includes the Elk, Moose, Caribou, and Reindeer. The origins of the name come from the Middle English word 'der' meaning beast and  from the Old English word 'dor'. http://www.facts-about.org.uk/animals-deer.htm Species of Deer There are thirty-eight different species of Deer. The deer family also includes the elk, moose, caribou, and reindeer. The most common deer of America belong to the genus Odocoileus. Odocoileus virginianus - The white-tailed deer, or Viirginian Deer Odocoileus columbianus - The black-tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus - The mule deer Alces alces - The moose Cervus elaphus - The Red Deer or the Elk