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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > MAMMALS
Odocoileus hemionus
The mule deer is a common hoofed animal found throughout most of the western United States. It has a stocky body with a thick neck and small head. The fur can range in color from buff to brownish-gray with a large, white "rump patch." The tail is mostly white with a black tip. The animal was named for its prominent, mule-like ears. Adult males can weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kg) and females up to 200 pounds (90.7 kg). Mature males will grow forked antlers every spring. They are usually solitary animals but may form small groups of up to five individuals.
This animal is a generalist species, meaning it can survive on a variety of food sources and in multiple ecosystems. Its known diet consists of over 700 potential food items, including forks, grasses, trees, fruits, beans, nuts and berries. It may also browse on agricultural crops or backyard plants and for this reason may be classified as a "nuisance animal."
As one of the larger prey animals of North America, the mule deer is an important food source for predators like cougars, coyotes, gray wolves, bobcats and black bears. When threatened, the mule deer can quickly flee by "bouncing" forward while lifting all four feet off the ground simultaneously. This spring-like gait is known as "stotting" and can be found in other quadrupeds like gazelles.
The deer has several subspecies, including the black-tailed deer common to the Oregon coast and adjacent valleys.
Range and Habitat
The mule deer is a deer native to the western part of North America. It is most commonly associated with the Rocky Mountain range although it can be found in every western state in the United States and was more recently introduced to the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It can be found in a variety of ecosystems, including urban areas.
Conservation Status
Common.
Odocoileus hemionus
The mule deer is a common hoofed animal found throughout most of the western United States. It has a stocky body with a thick neck and small head. The fur can range in color from buff to brownish-gray with a large, white "rump patch." The tail is mostly white with a black tip. The animal was named for its prominent, mule-like ears. Adult males can weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kg) and females up to 200 pounds (90.7 kg). Mature males will grow forked antlers every spring. They are usually solitary animals but may form small groups of up to five individuals.
This animal is a generalist species, meaning it can survive on a variety of food sources and in multiple ecosystems. Its known diet consists of over 700 potential food items, including forks, grasses, trees, fruits, beans, nuts and berries. It may also browse on agricultural crops or backyard plants and for this reason may be classified as a "nuisance animal."
As one of the larger prey animals of North America, the mule deer is an important food source for predators like cougars, coyotes, gray wolves, bobcats and black bears. When threatened, the mule deer can quickly flee by "bouncing" forward while lifting all four feet off the ground simultaneously. This spring-like gait is known as "stotting" and can be found in other quadrupeds like gazelles.
The deer has several subspecies, including the black-tailed deer common to the Oregon coast and adjacent valleys.
Range and Habitat
The mule deer is a deer native to the western part of North America. It is most commonly associated with the Rocky Mountain range although it can be found in every western state in the United States and was more recently introduced to the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It can be found in a variety of ecosystems, including urban areas.
Conservation Status
Common.
