How Long Do Deer Live? The answer surprises you.

How Long Do Deer Live? Have you ever wondered how long deer live? Given that deer are often hunted in the wild, the answer surprises you.

We will look at how long different species and varieties of deer live. We will also explore the average deer life cycle. Additionally, we will even discuss some of the oldest living deer discovered in the wild.

How Long Do Deer Live?

Deer live 3-6 years on average in the wild. Other animals contribute to this lower life span. Most of the time humans are to blame for this shortened life span. This is due to widespread hunting around the world, as well as various environmental factors. 

How long do deer live in captivity? According to the Deer Association, deer in captivity live significantly longer than wild deer. Some wild deer have lived long and healthy lives. This brings the average up to 7 to 10 years. 

Some of the oldest deer in captivity reached over 20 years of age. Some female deer even gave birth to fawns during this later stage in their life. There is a significant difference between the life spans of deer in the wild and deer in captivity. Human and other predator intervention is the reason for their lower lifespan in the wild. 

The Average Deer Life Cycle

The average deer life cycle is extremely interesting. A deer might brave the wilderness as a young fawn. Alternatively, a deer may be born into a life of luxury in captivity. Let’s talk about that now. 

Newborn, or Fawn

Adorable and incapable of protecting itself, baby deer play a unique role in a herd of deer. This is true no matter the species. Most young fawns can walk within 30 minutes of being born. A mother deer will keep her young safe and secure in a protected area. This usually involves underbrush and a location away from where the herd spends its time.  

A mother deer will feed her young for a week or two in this protected location. This is both to keep her baby safe and to keep the rest of the herd safe. This is in case a predator smells the newborn. Once the baby is strong enough to walk, it can join the herd. It can then start its life as a young deer. 

Young deer must sustenance from their mother until they are just about five months of age. By that point, they will know how to forage and find food on their own. They will consume a diet of leaves, grasses, and other herbivore staples.

You know a deer is still young when it has its trademark spotted coat. This dappled appearance helps protect young fawns in sunlight, acting as a form of camouflage. This coat remains spotted until the deer has reached over a year of age. It can then be considered an adult. 

Adult Deer

Deer are herd animals, but they often go through many different iterations, especially as more adult deer join their ranks. Female adults often stay in the same herd and mate with the dominant bucks. Male deer are often responsible for dividing the herd. They may potentially cause issues within the group. 

If a young deer has made it to adulthood, it has a better chance of surviving. but, the larger a deer is, the more appealing it is to hunters as a game kill. This is why many deer don’t survive beyond the first five years of their life.

As you can see, the lifespan of any species of deer greatly increases if the deer is kept in captivity. But, the majority of deer species have ample population growth and most are not threatened in any way. 

No matter the species or location, deer are beautiful wild creatures to see, both in the forest and in captivity. Their life cycle is unique and special, and any species of deer deserves our respect!