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Dereila Nature Inn Home > Woodlands Pathway > Walking in the Wild > The Mule Deer

#12 - The Mule Deer

The Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus, is one of only two North American species of deer.
It is found across most of the western part of the continent except in the far north.

The large mule-like ears give this deer its name, but it is also called the Black-tailed Deer on the Pacific Coast. Some have only black-tipped tails; others have completely black tails.



Their is much variation in the size and colour of Mule Deer with the largest residing in the Rocky Mountains. The ones of the west coast which are shown here, tend to be a bit smaller and are regarded as a sub-species. The Mule Deer is most active in the early morning, evenings and moonlit nights. It grazes on twigs and shrubs as well as grasses and other plants.

The male shed its antlers in the winter and new ones grow in the spring. Young are born in June or July. They are spotted and are able to walk a few minutes after birth.

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