White-tailed deer are native to North and Central America. The name is derived from the white underside of the tail. White-tailed deer use the white tail as a flag when danger is near.

White-tailed deer are protected by the state of Texas and may not be kept in captivity without a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife. The deer housed at Bear Creek Pioneers Park are considered non-releasable by Texas Parks and Wildlife. The deer at the park have lost their fear of humans preventing them from being able to survive in the wild. They are on exhibit for educational purposes.