The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a deer whose habitat is in the western half of North America. It gets its name from its large mule-like ears. The black-tailed deer is considered by some a distinct species though it is classified as a subspecies of the Mule Deer. Unlike its cousin, the white-tailed deer, mule deer are generally more associated with the land west of the Missouri River. The most noticeable differences between whitetails and mule deer are the color of their tails and configuration of their antlers. The mule deer's tail is black tipped. Mule deer antlers are bifurcated, or "fork" as they grow rather than branching from a single main beam (as with white-tails). Each year a buck's antlers start to grow in spring and are shed after mating season from mid-January to mid-April. Mule deer bucks have somewhat more prominent ears than females. Instead of running, mule deer move with a bounding leap (stot), with all four feet coming down together.
Ten Facts about Mule Deer
- The mule deer is the largest of the Odocoileus genus, standing, on the average, 40-42 inches (100-110 cm) at the shoulders and stretching 80 inches (200 cm) or so nose to tail.
- An adult buck will weigh from 150-300 pounds (68-140 kg) on the hoof, with does averaging 125-175 pounds (57-79 kg).
- Mating season usually begins in the fall as does go into estrus for a period of a few days and males become more aggressive, competing for mates.
- The gestation period is about 190-200 days, with fawns born in the spring, staying with their mothers during the summer and being weaned in the fall after about 60-75 days.
- Gray Wolves and Cougars are the main predator of adult deer. Bobcats, Coyotes, American Black Bears and Grizzly Bears less commonly prey on adult deer, though commonly attack fawns.
- In summer, it chiefly forages on not only herbaceous plants, but also various berries (including blackberry, blueberry, salal, and thimbleberry).
- Mule deer are found throughout the entire western United States.
- Mule deer usually live 9-11 years in the wild and can live to be much older when in captivity.
- Mule deer have no upper teeth, only a hard pallet.
- Male called buck, female called doe, young called fawn.
