Can white-tailed deer have triplets?

Question

Two years ago I used to see a doe come by all the time with two young fawns. I obviously assumed they were twins.

Now today as we were going home from church I saw three spotty fawns and nearby a single doe.

Is it possible for a doe to have triplets, or in a herd does one mother watch over the young?

Answer 1

yes, it is possible, but this is more likely.

While does have young fawns, often during the day, they will leave their fawn lying down where they believe them to be protected, and go away for a while (this is why so many people call into wildlife rehabilitation centers about young "orphan" fawns). What you probably saw, was three fawns from different mothers, with one of the mothers nearby, or perhaps twins with another fawn, with one of the mothers nearby.

Answer 2

It's possible, but usually one will die sooner or later.

Answer 3

Yes, it's rare but possible.  Twins and triplets in the deer population is usually a sign that food supplies are good and the deer population is healthy.

Answer 4

Not common, but possible.

I've seen twins, but I give the mom lots of credit if she's got three that she's successfully raising.

Answer 5

yes