By EMILY D. COOK / Community Columnist

The temperatures have changed and the Whitetail Deer are on the move.

Whitetail Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, are often the most recognizable mammal in the state of Alabama and can currently be found throughout much but not all of the state.

Deer can be found along roadsides, in backyards and fields.

Because of their population abundance in the state, they are easily seen but can create problems when moving about especially near roads.

Deer range in size from 90 to 140 pounds for females (does) and 140 to 200 pounds for males (bucks). They stand an average of 36 inches at shoulder height.

Their color varies depending on season. During the summer, their coats are a thin layer of reddish brown that allows heat to escape and reflect the sunlight away from them.

During the winter, their coats are thicker and brownish gray, and the hairs of this coat are hollow to allow for excellent heat retention by trapping body heat next to the skin.

Oak Mountain State Park offers great habitat for deer. We are happy to report that the population here seems to be healthy.

Vegetation, while abundant, may not be eaten as deer are selective feeders. They may eat the leaves, twigs, shoots and fruits of a variety of shrubs, trees and vines, but prefer acorns when available.

Corn is not a good food source for deer. It offers little to no nutritional value, serving as candy for them.

Deer prefer quality over quantity when it comes to food. Deer like young tender shoots and buds of newly emerging spring plants; crabapple and persimmon during fall; and blackberry and greenbriar year-round.

We offer many of these species of plants within the boundaries of Oak Mountain.

Do you want to see a deer? Come out and visit the park during the cool days of fall and you will have a good chance of seeing one or two, maybe even a group of them.

Just remember to be careful as you drive through the park, they have no fear when crossing the roads. They will run out in front of you.

Please remember that you keep Alabama State Parks open by visiting them.