Which species are given as examples of mammals leaving their young unattended for feeding?

• A. Cottontail rabbits
• B. White-tailed deer
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (C)

Both cottontail rabbits and white-tailed deer illustrate this pattern. In cottontail rabbits, the doe raises a litter in a shallow nest and, while she visits to nurse, spends most of the day away foraging, leaving the young hidden and unattended. The kits stay quiet and rely on camouflage, with the mother returning to nurse only briefly. In white-tailed deer, the fawns are hidden in tall vegetation and the doe forages elsewhere, returning only to nurse at intervals. This strategy minimizes predator detection and keeps the young safe while the mother feeds. So, this behavior of leaving the young unattended for feeding applies to both species.