On May 29, 2023, while visiting the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I photographed a Whitetail Doe that appeared to be pregnant. She was with a small group of other does, and as they moved from an open field into the woods, her noticeably swollen belly caught my eye.
This encounter was a special one, and in this post, I’ll share the image I captured and provide a closer look at Whitetail Doe pregnancy behavior.
Signs of Pregnancy in Whitetail Deer
From her appearance, it was clear this doe was carrying at least one fawn, possibly more. Whitetail Does often give birth to one to three fawns, with twins being most common. Given her size, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was expecting multiples.
She remained with the group during the encounter, which suggests she wasn’t yet close to giving birth. Typically, when a doe is ready to deliver, she separates herself from the herd. She’ll seek out a quiet, sheltered area, often in tall grass or dense cover, where she can safely give birth.
Behavioral Clues Before Birth
In the later stages of pregnancy, a Whitetail Doe’s behavior changes. She becomes more alert and may show signs of nesting behavior, such as pawing at the ground or testing different locations for cover. These behaviors help ensure the fawns have the best chance at survival in their earliest days.
If you’re interested in a similar sighting I had, you can also read about Pregnant Whitetail Does at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
FAQ
What is the gestation period for Whitetail Does?
The gestation period for Whitetail Does lasts about 6 to 7 months.
How many fawns do Whitetail Does usually have?
They commonly give birth to one to three fawns, with twins being most typical.
Where do Whitetail Does give birth?
They leave their group to deliver in tall grasses, thickets, or other hidden locations where the newborns are protected from predators.
Final Thoughts
Seeing a pregnant Whitetail Doe in the wild was a powerful reminder of nature’s rhythms. These moments offer a rare look at the quiet preparations animals make to bring new life into the world. I’m looking forward to returning to the area to see if I can spot her again, maybe even with her fawns.
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Settings: f/7.1, 1/800 sec, ISO 8000 (Auto), +0.7 EV, Focal Length: 500mm
Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Date: May 29, 2023, 6:38 AM