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The Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis)
is native to the wet coastal rain forests of Southeast Alaska
and north-coastal British Columbia. Its range has been expanded
by transplants, and established populations now also exist
near Yakutat, in Prince William Sound, and on Kodiak and Afognak
islands.
General description: The Sitka black-tailed deer is smaller,
stockier, and has a shorter face than other members of the
black- tailed group. Fawns are born in early June and weigh
6 to 8 pounds (2.7-3.6 kg) at birth. The average October live
weight of adults is about 80 pounds (36 kg) for does and 120
pounds (54.5 kg) for bucks, although dressed-weight bucks
of over 200 pounds (90.1 kg) have been reported. The summer
coat of reddish-brown is replaced by dark brownish gray in
winter. Antlers are dark brown with typical black-tailed branching.
Normal adult antler development is three points (including
the eyeguard) on each side. Antlers are relatively small,
with very few scoring more than 110 points by the Boone and
Crockett system.
Their average life span is about 10 years, but a few are
known to have attained an age of at least 15.
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