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Deer range in size from the small mouse deer all the way up to the moose/Eurasian elk. Many may live 14 or more years in captivity but life expectancy in the wild may not be well established. Does/cows of many deer species live longer than males, not only due to hunting but because bucks/bulls competing for breeding rights age much faster.

Below is information on 4 well known deer species in North America.

Whitetail deer average 5-16 years in captivity. Estimated average in the wild is much less,4.5-7 years according to a study done in 2003.

Mule deer average 9-11 years in the wild. 9-15 in captivity.

Elk average 8-14 years in the wild and 17-22 in captivity.

Moose/Eurasian Elk 10-20 years in the wild. Captive animals don't live appreciably longer.

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7y ago

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