How fast can a white-tailed deer run and how high can they jump?
White-tailed deer have been reported to run at speeds reaching 35 miles per hour. This speed cannot be maintained for long distances. White-tailed deer are able to clear a 7-foot fence from a standing position. If the deer is running, an 8-foot fence can be jumped. The ability to run fast and jump high is a survival adaptation. White-tailed deer habitat includes forests and openings. A rapidly running deer is able to leap over large obstructions such a fallen trees or rocks. Many pursuing predators have to run around such objects enabling the deer to escape. Throughout their history on earth, white-tailed deer have filled an ecological niche as a prey species for large predators. In North America, mountain lions and wolves chase and kill white-tailed deer to feed their young pups and growing cubs. Native Americans ate the venison, fashioned clothes from the skins and made tools with the antlers.
