Mule deer

Mule Deer Sulphur Springs Valley Arizona 2014

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Stotting mule deer

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Mule Deer Trotting

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Mule Deer in Zion Canyon

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are a species of deer indigenous to western North America. They are named for their large, mule-like ears. Mule Deer are adaptable animals, found in various habitats across the western United States, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountainous areas. Their range extends from the northern regions of the United States into Mexico, and from the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast.

Description

Mule Deer are easily recognized by their large ears, which are much larger than those of the white-tailed deer. They have a distinctive black-tipped tail that is smaller and less bushy than that of the white-tailed deer. Adult males, known as bucks, are larger than females, known as does, and have branched antlers that they shed and regrow annually. The coat of the Mule Deer changes color with the seasons, from reddish-brown in the summer to gray-brown during the winter months.

Behavior

Mule Deer are primarily crepuscular, being most active at dawn and dusk. They are herbivores, with a diet that varies seasonally based on available vegetation. In the winter, they often feed on shrubs and tree bark, while in the summer, their diet consists more of grasses, herbs, and leaves.

Mule Deer are known for their unique method of locomotion, called "stotting" or "pronking," where they spring into the air with all four feet off the ground simultaneously. This behavior may help them to evade predators by displaying their fitness and to see over tall vegetation.

Reproduction

The breeding season, or rut, occurs in the fall. During this time, bucks compete for the attention of does by displaying their antlers, engaging in fights, and marking territory. After a gestation period of about 200 days, does give birth to one to three fawns in the late spring or early summer.

Conservation Status

While Mule Deer populations remain robust in many areas, they face threats from habitat loss, road accidents, and predation. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and management, research, and monitoring populations to ensure their long-term survival.

Habitat

Mule Deer are highly adaptable and can live in a wide range of habitats. They are commonly found in areas where there is a mix of open land and forests. They prefer regions that offer both feeding grounds and cover for hiding and protection.

Predators

Natural predators of the Mule Deer include cougars, wolves, and coyotes. Fawns are more vulnerable and can also fall prey to bobcats and golden eagles.

See Also

• White-tailed deer
• Wildlife conservation
• Habitat destruction