A doe is a female deer. While male deer grow large antlers on their heads, most does don't have antlers at all (except for one special species called reindeer, where many females grow them too). Does are usually a bit smaller than male deer, called bucks, but they're quick, alert, and excellent at protecting their young.

Does give birth to baby deer called fawns, usually one or two at a time. In the spring and early summer, you might spot a doe with her fawn following close behind, learning how to find food and stay safe from predators. Does are very protective mothers and will stomp their hooves or make loud snorting sounds to scare away threats.

The word doe can also refer to females of other animals like rabbits and kangaroos, though people use it most often for deer. If you've ever seen a deer frozen in place, staring at you with big dark eyes before bounding away in graceful leaps, you might have been watching a doe.