- Fur: The undercoat of white-tailed deer is made up of long, hollow hairs. These hairs trap air, which acts as an insulating layer. The undercoat is covered by a layer of guard hairs, which are short and stiff. These hairs help to keep the undercoat in place and protect it from matting.
- Body Size: White-tailed deer have a large body mass, which helps them to conserve heat.
- Metabolism: White-tailed deer have a slow metabolism, which means that they do not need to eat as much food to stay warm.
- Behavioral Adaptations: White-tailed deer will seek out sheltered areas to stay warm. These areas may include forests, thickets, and caves. Deer will also bed down in snow to conserve heat.
In addition to these adaptations, white-tailed deer also have a special type of blood called "reindeer blood." This blood contains a high concentration of oxygen, which helps the deer to stay warm even in very cold weather.
By using all of these adaptations, white-tailed deer are able to survive in some of the coldest climates in North America.