Veteran nature writer Ilo Hiller gives the life history of the white-tailed deer in this new volume, finally offering the general public quick, easy access to facts about one of America's most familiar wild animals. In this book Hiller offers enlightening information on the animal's distribution, its habitat and food, physical characteristics, reproduction, social behavior, and general life cycle. In doing so, she introduces to Americans an animal often seen but seldom understood in its biological setting. Hiller also addresses deer mortality and population management.

The whitetail, one of the most popular wild animals in America, embodies grace and swiftness. Some fourteen million white-tails live in the continental United States, and scientists believe that their appearance has changed little in the fifteen to twenty million years since the Miocene age, when they first developed. An introduction and eight chapters cover general information about the Cervidae family of deer, native to the western hemisphere.

Although the deer are shy and elusive creatures, they are often glimpsed from outlying areas of cities and even urban greenbelts, as well as wooded farmlands and brushy rangelands. Their popularity in America led to their being named the state mammal for five states: Illinois, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

Written in a clear, interesting style, the book provides the non-specialist with an interest in wildlife insight into the world and lifeways of the whitetail. Perfect as a gift for nature lovers, hunters, and wildlife enthusiasts, this little gem offers valuable information.