Deer have a number of characteristics such as strong legs that allow them to run fast or the antlers that male deer have.
Sometimes other animals share these characteristics and traits, so in this article we’re going to learn about some animals like deer in various way.
12 Animals Like Deer
Deer are herbivores that have special stomachs which digest food and turns it into cud.
Here are 12 animals that are like deer in one way or another.
Moose resting in a grassy field | Image by David Mark from Pixabay
Scientific name: Alces alces
Why moose are like deer: Both are members of the Cervidae family.
Their antlers are branched and the moose sheds them each year, just like deer do.
Both moose and deer are herbivores that forage for their food.
Moose are much larger than deer.
Typically, moose are 4.5 feet tall and weigh between 600 to 1500 pounds.
The antlers on a moose are much larger and more ornate than the deer.
A moose has a long snout and a piece of fatty skin under their chin called a dewlap.
Unless it’s mating season, moose are solitary and do not run in herds like deer do.
Unlike deer, moose may be aggressive and are known to attack.
Moose’s diet consists of leaves, twigs, buds, and aquatic vegetation.
Elk walking through a field of grass | Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay
Scientific name: Cercus canadensis
Why elk are like deer: Both belong to the Cervidae family, have hooves, antlers, and are herbivores.
Deer and elk are also both social and run with a herd.
Elk will grow to be between 3 and 5 feet tall and weigh about 375 to 1100 pounds.
Antlers on a male elk can be up to 4 feet long.
A thick, shaggy coat helps keep them warm in the mountainous terrain they prefer.
Their diet consists of grass, tree bark, twigs, and shrubs.
Being able to run up to 45 miles per hour helps them out run mountain lions that prey upon them.
Roan Antelope | Image by A Owen from Pixabay
Scientific name: Bovidae
Why antelope are like deer: Both are 4 legged, have hooves, and have 2 cranial structures protruding from the front of the skull.
Both deer and antelope are herbivores that are skittish around humans.
Antelopes can be found in forests, wetlands, savannas, and deserts and will grow to be 3 to 5 feet tall and weigh between 500 to 650 pounds.
The antelope is usually brown, tan, or reddish in color with a white belly.
An antelope’s diet consists of grass, shoots, and seeds.
Being able to run 55 miles per hour helps them escape predators like leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs.
Scientific name: Bison bison
Why bison are like deer: Both deer and bison are herbivores, have hooves, run in herds, have cranial structures, and can adapt to different climates.
You may also like: Are Foxes Nocturnal?Adult bison can be 6 feet tall and weigh up to 2000 pounds, the calves are usually between 70 to 80 pounds when born.
Giraffe next to a tall tree | Image by HowardWilks from Pixabay
Scientific name: Girafa
Why giraffes are like deer: Deer and giraffes are both ungulates (having hooves) and are ruminants ( able to break down food in a special stomach and turn it into cud to be rechewed.
Both also have short velvety fur and are herbivores.
The giraffe is the tallest living land animal.
This long-necked animal can grow to be 14 to 19 feet tall and up to 2600 pounds.
Usually gray or tan, they have intricate brown to reddish spots all over their bodies.
Found in the woodlands and savannas of Africa, their long necks allow them to grab their favorite leaves, fruit, and tree buds.
Giraffes are often preyed upon by lions, leopards, and hyenas.
Scientific name: Tapirus
Why tapirs are like deer: Tapirs, like deer, are herbivores, ungulates, and have diminutive ears and tails.
Tapirs are large mammals that look like wild hogs.
Native to South America and Asia, they weigh up to 550pounds and have short stubby legs.
These herbivores enjoy leaves and fruit.
White Goat eats fresh grass from the field | Image by svklimkin from Pixabay
Scientific name: Capra hircus
Why goats are like deer: Goats and deer are both ungulates, have cranial structures and chew their cud.
Goats are one of the oldest domesticated species of animal on earth.
Adult goats average 2 feet tall and can weigh up to 310 pounds.
Coming in a wide variety of colors, they may be any shade of brown, tan, black, white, and multicolored.
Known for their agility, goats can climb and balance in odd places.
Zebra is looking in the right direction | Image by Lynn Greyling from Pixabay
Scientific name: Equs zebra
Why zebras are like deer: Both zebra and deer are ungulates, herbivores, and travel in herds.
Native to Africa, zebra are known for their distinctive black and white stripes.
An adult zebra can be anywhere from 3.5 to 5.5 feet and weigh 600 to 900 pounds.
Habitats for this animal are grasslands, savannas, woodlands, and scrublands.
Being herbivores, grass is the main part of their diet.
Resting rabbit in a grassy field | Image by David Mark from Pixabay
Scientific name: Leporidae
Why rabbits are like deer: Rabbits and deer are both herbivores and share similar habitats like forests, woods, meadows, and tundra.
Rabbits are small mammals that like to burrow under the ground in their respective habitats.
Adult rabbits can weigh 6 pounds and come in many shades of brown, gray, and black.
You may also like: Do Squirrels Eat Grass?
Rabbits will eat their feces for the same reason deer eat their cud (vomit), to gain maximum nutrients from their food.
Scientific name: Camelus
Why camels are like deer: Camels and deer are both ungulates and herbivores.
Camels are working animals found in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Though they can go long periods of time without water, it’s stored in other parts of their body.
Adults will weigh between 300 to 2200 pounds, depending on the species.
Adult Horse showing its healthy body | image by isamiga76 via Flickr | CC BY 2.0
Scientific name: Equs fetus caballus
Why horses are like deer: Both are hoofed, plant-eating, mammals.
Horses and deer are both social and run in herds.
Adult horses can weigh anywhere from 900 to 2200 pounds, depending on the species.
Color varies widely from shades of brown, black, tan, and multicolored.
In the wild, they will eat mostly grass.
Group of Sheep in the grass field | image by Katriona McCarthy via Flickr | CC BY 2.0
Scientific name: Ovis arise
Why sheep are like deer: Both sheep and deer are ruminant mammals (eat cud) that are ungulate herbivores, and live in herds.
Adults weigh between 100 and 350 pounds.
Their colors may vary from white to shades of brown, and the infamous black.
A sheep’s diet consists of oats, hay, grass, and alfalfa.
Examples of animals that look like deer include Barasingha, Bharal, Blackbuck, Chinkara, and Chitral.
Around the world, there are animals that look strikingly similar to deer.
These animals, which may be referred to as deer mimics, typically have features that resemble those of the white-tailed deer.
Fascinatingly, animals have evolved into many family groups, not just the deer (Cervidae) family, to have four legs and graze on food.
Everywhere from Africa to Australia to Europe, there are animals that resemble deer.
In this blog post, we will explore the different animal species that bear a resemblance to deer.
Examples of Animals that Look Like Deer
Examples of Animals that Look Like Deer
Scientific NameRucervus duvauceliiType of AnimalMammalRangenorthern and central India
The Barasingha is a deer species that is found in central and southern India.
They are also known as swamp deer due to their preference for swampy habitats.
These animals have a reddish-brown coat and can grow to be around 3.6 feet tall at the shoulder.
Males of this species tend to be larger than females and have antlers that can span up to 3 feet in width.
Barasinghas are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses and aquatic plants.
Scientific NamePseudois nayaurType of AnimalMammalRangehigh Himalayas
The bharal, also known as the Himalayan blue sheep, is a native of the Himalayan region.
The bharal is a herbivore that feeds on grass and shrubs.
The bharal is also known for its horns, which can grow up to 30 inches in length.
Scientific NameAntilope cervicapraType of AnimalMammalRangeIndia, Pakistan, and Nepal
The blackbuck, which is also known as the Indian antelope, is a species that is native to the Indian subcontinent.
The blackbuck is a medium-sized antelope and it has a coat that is typically black or dark brown in color.
Males of this species have long, spiral horns that they use to attract mates and assert their dominance.
The blackbuck is an endangered species and it is estimated that there are only about 4,000 of them left in the wild.
Scientific NameGazella bennettiiType of AnimalMammalRangePakistan
The Chinkara, also known as the Indian gazelle, is a species of antelope that is found in parts of the Indian subcontinent.
The Chinkara is a relatively small antelope, standing at about 60-80 cm (24-31 inches) at the shoulder.
They are reddish-brown in coloration and have white spots on their sides.
The Chinkara is a herbivore, feeding on leaves and grasses.
Scientific NameCapra falconeriType of AnimalMammalRangenorthern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan
The Chital or Cheetal (Axis axis), also known as Spotted Deer or Axis Deer, is a deer that commonly inhabits wooded regions of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
The chital is the most common deer species in Indian forests.
It is a spotted brown and white creature with antlers and a tuft of black hair on its forehead.
The diet of the chital consists of grass, leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Scientific NameCervus canadensisType of AnimalMammalRangewestern North America
The elk, also known as the wapiti, is a large ungulate that is closely related to the red deer.
These animals are found in North America and Europe.
Elk are the second-largest members of the deer family, behind only the moose.
Male elk can weigh up to 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds) and stand at a height of 2.1 meters (7 feet).
Females are smaller, weighing up to 400 kilograms (880 pounds) and standing 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall.
Elk have reddish-brown fur that becomes darker in the winter.
Their antlers can grow up to 2.1 meters (7 feet) long.
Related Article: Do Elk Have Antlers?
Scientific NameGazellaType of AnimalMammalRangeAfrica
Gazelles are a family of antelope characterized by their slender and elegant build.
They are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Gazelles are known for their graceful movements and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Thomson’s gazelle, which is found in Africa, is the smallest member of the gazelle family.
Gazelles are mostly herbivorous animals and feed on grasses and leaves.
Thomson’s gazelles are known to be particularly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats including woodlands, steppes, and even deserts.
Related Article: 43 Animals Like Gazelles
Scientific NameOryx gazellaType of AnimalMammalRangeSouthern Africa
The Gemsbok is a member of the antelope family and is native to Africa.
It is a large animal, with males reaching up to 1.8m in length and females up to 1.6m.
The Gemsbok has a long neck, thin legs, and a small head.
Its most distinctive feature is its horns, which are present in both sexes and can grow up to 60cm in length.
The Gemsbok is a herbivore and feeds on grasses, bushes, and other plants.
Scientific NameHippotragus nigerType of AnimalMammalRangeAngola
The giant sable (Hippotragus niger) is a large antelope that is found in Angola.
It is the largest member of the genus Hippotragus and can weigh up to 500 kg (1100 lb).
The giant sable has a reddish-brown coat with white markings on its face, neck, and legs.
It is a herbivore that feeds on grasses and leaves.
Scientific NameTragelaphus strepsicerosType of AnimalMammalRangesouthern Africa
The greater kudu is a large antelope that is found in Africa.
Adults can weigh up to 700 pounds and stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder.
Greater kudus have a light brown coat with white stripes running down their sides.
Their horns are spiral-shaped and can grow up to three feet in length.
Scientific NameOvis vigneiType of AnimalMammalRangeIndus and Shayok valleys in Ladakh
The Ladakh urial, also known as the shapo, is a type of wild sheep that is found in the mountainous regions of Central Asia.
The Ladakh urial has a number of physical features that make it look like a deer.
For instance, this animal has long and slender legs, as well as antlers that are similar to those of a deer.
The Ladakh urial is also noted for its light brown fur, which helps it to blend in with its surroundings.
Interestingly, the Ladakh urial is a relatively rare animal.
In fact, it is estimated that there are only about 3,000 of these animals in the world.
As a result, the Ladakh urial is considered to be an endangered species.
Scientific NameAlces alcesType of AnimalMammalRangeNorth America, Europe, and Russia
The moose is a member of the deer family and is the largest member of that family.
Moose are found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Moose have long legs and a large body.
They also have antlers that can grow up to six feet wide.
Scientific NameMuntiacusType of AnimalMammalRangeIndia, Southeast Asia, and southern China
The muntjac, also known as the barking deer, is a small deer that is found in the forests of southern and southeast Asia.
These animals get their name from their distinctive call, which sounds like a dog barking.
Muntjacs are the size of a large dog and have short antlers.
Their fur is reddish-brown in color and they have a white stripe running down their backs.
Scientific NameBoselaphus tragocamelusType of AnimalMammalRangesouthern India
The largest Asian antelope, the nilgai can be found in central and southern India.
Males of this species can grow to be up to 3.6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 550 pounds.
The nilgai is a brownish-grey color with white markings on its face, belly, and legs.
These animals are herbivores and primarily feed on grasses.
Scientific NameTragelaphus angasiiType of AnimalMammalRangeMalawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and eastern South Africa
The nyala is a South African antelope that is often mistaken for a deer.
It has spiral horns and a reddish-brown coat with white stripes running down its sides.
The male nyala also has long hair on its neck and chest, which distinguishes it from the female of the species.
This animal can reach a length of over six feet and a weight of up to 400 pounds.
Scientific NamePuduType of AnimalMammalRangetemperate rainforests in South America
The Pudu is a South American deer that is the world’s smallest deer species.
Adults generally only grow to be about 12-16 inches tall and 20-24 inches long.
They have reddish-brown fur and small antlers.
Scientific NameMazama nanaType of AnimalMammalRangesouthern Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay
The pygmy brocket is a small deer-like mammal that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
This animal has reddish-brown fur and a white belly.
However, this animal is an important part of the rainforest ecosystem.
Red Deer
Red Deer
Scientific NameCervus elaphusType of AnimalMammalRangeEurope, the Caucasus Mountains region, Anatolia, Iran, and parts of western Asia
The Red Deer is a species of deer that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
It is the largest species of deer in the world, with males weighing up to 350 kg (770 lb).
The red deer has a reddish-brown coat and antlers that can grow up to 1.2 m (4 ft) long.
The red deer is a herbivore and feeds on leaves, grasses, and fruit.
Scientific NameRangifer tarandusType of AnimalMammalRangethe Arctic tundra
Reindeer are perhaps the most well-known deer mimics.
These animals are found in the Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Reindeer have a number of physical features that make them appear similar to deer.
For instance, they have long legs and antlers that are similar in shape to those of deer.
In addition, their fur is often white or grey, which can give them a deer-like appearance.
Scientific NameHippotragus equinusType of AnimalMammalRangeWest and Central Africa
The roan antelope is a species of antelope that is found in parts of Africa.
This animal has a reddish-brown coat with white spots.
The roan antelope also has long, spiraling horns that can grow up to four feet in length.
Related Article: 15 Animals Like Antelopes
Scientific NameRusa unicolorType of AnimalMammalRangeSouth Asia
The sambar is a large deer that is native to the Indian subcontinent.
It is the largest member of the deer family in India and Sri Lanka.
The sambar can grow to be up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 500 pounds.
The coat of the sambar is brown or reddish-brown in color and is covered in white spots.
The antlers of the sambar are large and curved.
Scientific NameBudorcas taxicolorType of AnimalMammalRangecentral and southern Asia
The takin is a species of hoofed mammal that is native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Asia.
The takin is often described as looking like a cross between a goat and an antelope.
They have a thick, shaggy coat that is typically brown or reddish-brown in color.
Their horns are long and curved, and they have a large head with a stocky build.
Male takins can weigh up to 660 pounds, while females typically weigh between 440 and 550 pounds.
Scientific NamePantholops hodgsoniiType of AnimalMammalRangethe Tibetan Plateau
The Tibetan antelope, also known as the chiru, is a native of the Tibetan Plateau.
The animal is well-adapted to its high altitude habitat and can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
The chiru has long, slender legs and a reddish-brown coat.
The males of the species grow large horns that they use to attract mates.
Scientific NameProcapra picticaudataType of AnimalMammalRangeQinghai, Tibet, and the adjacent Gansu
The Tibetan gazelle is a small antelope that is found in the Himalayan region of Tibet.
It has a reddish-brown coat with white markings on its face, belly, and legs.
The Tibetan gazelle is an agile creature that can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
Vietnamese Mouse Deer
Vietnamese Mouse Deer
Scientific NameTragulus versicolorType of AnimalMammalRangeVietnam
The Vietnamese mouse deer is a small, mouselike creature that is found in the forests of Vietnam.
These animals are nocturnal and shy, so they are not often seen by humans.
They have a reddish-brown coat and white spots on their backs.
Vietnamese mouse deer are the smallest ungulates in the world.
The animals in this article all share a common characteristic- they look like deer.
While they may not all be classified as deer, they are all related to the deer family and share many of the same characteristics.
These creatures can be found living in various habitats around the world, from dense forests to barren deserts.
Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal.