Exploiting which habitat zone contributed significantly to O. virginianus success?

Woody edge habitat (transition zone between forests and fields)

A primary factor underpinning the massive population success and adaptability of *Odocoileus virginianus* is its effective exploitation of the woody edge habitat. This niche is defined as the transitional zone existing between dense forests and open fields or agricultural land. By thriving in this 'edge,' the deer maximized its access to diverse resources; the woods offer cover and woody browse (twigs and buds), while the fields provide grasses and forbs. This opportunistic utilization of the most abundant and easily accessible territory across North America, particularly following European settlement and agricultural expansion which increased the amount of edge habitat, solidified its standing as one of the most numerous large herbivores continentally.