Interested to know How Fast Do Deer Run?
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How Fast Do Deer Run?
Great question! There are many variables that go into answering this question, including the size of the deer, whether it’s a buck or doe, and what the terrain looks like.
However, the short answer to your question is about 30 miles per hour on average, though they can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour or more in certain circumstances. Keep reading to learn more about how fast deer run!
Are Deer Fast Runners?
A deer is a fast animal, often capable of running at speeds up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour).
Their hind legs are considerably longer than their front legs and they have feet that act like cushions—they soften each step. To do all of that running, however, deer need plenty of food.
They can consume 25 percent of their body weight in grass each day!
For example, if a 150-pound (68-kilogram) person were to eat as much as a deer does each day, he or she would weigh 450 pounds (204 kilograms) by nightfall.
Types of Deer Species
White-Tailed Deer, Odocoileus Virginianus
It is estimated that male deer can run over 30 miles per hour for short distances. This is about twice as fast as human beings can run. Research has shown that when female deer run, they travel at a much slower pace of between 10 and 15 miles per hour.
They also tend to move in short bursts of running instead of long-distance running like their male counterparts.
When you compare how fast deer can run with how fast other animals travel, they do not do so well compared to other animals such as Elk, Moose, and Bison who can all run faster than white-tailed deer.
Mule Deer, Odocoileus Hemonius
The fastest recorded speed for a running deer was made by a mule deer, which can run up to about 50 miles per hour. The heaviest of all known types of deer is an elk, which can weigh in at more than 700 pounds.
It’s not unusual for does (females) to produce twins and in fact, it is quite common for older does who have had several babies before to give birth to multiple calves at once. There are two distinct types of whitetail deer:
The Eastern Whitetail, Odocoileus virginianus, and its cousin from out west are called simply White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus Velox.
Also, Read – Do Deer Attack Humans?
Red Deer, Cervus Elaphus
The red deer is a deer species, native to most of Europe, including Britain and Spain. It also has a long history in Asia and has been introduced in North America.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as an endangered species and it is protected by law in many countries.
Weighing from 115–175 kilograms (250–385 lb), red deer are surprisingly light on their feet despite their size; they can run at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 mph)and are able to make sharp turns within their speed.
They are capable of jumping vertically up to 1.8 meters (6 ft) high and horizontally up to 3 meters (9.8 ft).
Which Is Faster: A Horse Or A Deer?
A horse is considered a large animal, with an average weight between 1,000 and 2,200 pounds. This makes it seem very unlikely that a deer could beat a horse in a race.
A deer might be smaller than a horse, but its legs are also longer.
This gives it an advantage when trying to outrun danger; however, running speed varies greatly among different species of deer.
The white-tailed deer has a top speed of up to 50 miles per hour (mph), while mule deer can run almost as fast—at speeds ranging from 35 mph to 40 mph—and sometimes even faster if they’re fleeing from predators.
Skittish mule deer have been clocked at speeds up to 55 mph and are some of their genus’ fastest runners.
Also Read: When do deer lose their spots
Can A Dog Outrun A Deer?
A hunting dog can outrun a deer, but that doesn’t mean your pup will be successful. Unlike dogs, deer are incredibly agile and fast animals that have been known to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
Even if your furry friend is super fit and trained for agility competitions, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be able to run a deer down in time for a successful hunt.
There are some breeds of hunting dogs that may have an advantage over others when it comes to chasing down animals—but even then, it’s really all about trial and error until you find one or two dogs who can get close enough to make a kill.
For more info on training your hunting dog, check out our Hunting Training page!
Can You Outrun A Deer?
If you’re standing still and there isn’t anything in your way, deer can run 50 miles per hour.
You may be able to outrun them in a short sprint, but you won’t be able to keep up that pace for long.
The fact is that wild animals like deer are just built differently than humans; their muscles are made for endurance rather than speed.
If you’re on a collision course with a deer, get out of its way—but don’t try to outrun it.
Also, Read – How to Hunt Deer [Beginner’s Guide]
Conclusion about How Fast Do Deer Run :
How fast do deer run depends on what kind of deer you’re talking about.
Generally, North American big game species (like white-tailed deer) can get up to speeds of 45 miles per hour.
However, if you’re talking about a springbok or zebra, these hoofed animals can run at speeds of 30 miles per hour. Does running speed matter to hunters in terms of success rates?
Yes and no.
Even if your prize buck runs away from you at a high rate of speed, it may not be long before he tires out—and then becomes an easy target for a quick kill shot!
What happens if my arrow doesn’t strike him properly and he still gets away? Don’t worry!
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