One of the most iconic large mammals of western North America, instantly recognizable by its enormous, mule-like ears that give the species its name. Found from the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast and from Mexico up into Alaska, mule deer are wonderfully adapted to a wide range of environments—from deserts and shrublands to alpine meadows. Their antlers are unique because they fork as they grow, creating a characteristic branching pattern that sets them apart from the more familiar white-tailed deer. Their coats shift seasonally, with a reddish-brown hue in summer and a grayish-brown hue in winter, providing camouflage that blends into their habitats year-round.
One of the most distinctive traits of mule deer is their unusual style of movement called stotting or pronking. Instead of bounding smoothly like other deer, mule deer spring into the air with all four legs stiff, almost as if they are bouncing on springs. This gait may look comical, but it’s highly effective: it allows them to quickly change direction while fleeing predators like cougars, wolves, or coyotes, and it signals to predators that they are strong and not worth chasing. Their oversized ears are another hallmark—they are not just decorative but serve as powerful sound detectors, swiveling to pick up faint noises across wide distances in open country. Combined with excellent eyesight, mule deer are extremely alert animals, well-suited to avoiding danger in exposed landscapes.
Mule deer are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk when they venture out to feed on a diet of shrubs, grasses, acorns, and seasonal plants. In mountainous regions, they are known for long migrations, moving between high summer ranges and lower winter ranges, often following the same ancient routes for generations. During the fall, bucks enter the rutting season, competing for does by sparring with their antlers in dramatic clashes.
Distribution
Argentina
Canada
United States
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
