California Mule Deer

Description:

The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) or black-tailed deer is a deer indigenous to western North America, named for its large mule-like ears. There are believed to be several subspecies, including the black-tailed deer.[2][3][4][5][6][7] Unlike its cousin, the white-tailed deer, mule deer are generally more associated with the land west of the Missouri River, and more specifically with the Rocky Mountain region of North America. Mule deer have also been introduced to Argentina.[3] The most noticeable differences between whitetails and mule deer are the size of their ears, the color of their tails, and the configuration of their antlers. In many cases, body size is also a key difference. The mule deer's tail is black-tipped, whereas the whitetail's is not. Mule deer antlers are bifurcated; in other words, they "fork" as they grow, rather than branching from a single main beam, as is the case with whitetails. Each spring, after mating season, a buck's antlers start to regrow almost immediately after the old antlers are shed. Shedding typically takes place in mid February, with variations occurring by locale. Although capable of running, mule deer often prefer to stot, with all four feet coming down together. Black-tailed deer have also been introduced to Kauai (Hawaii). The mule deer is the larger of the two Odocoileus species, with a height averaging about 40–42 inches (100–110 cm) at the shoulders and a nose-to-tail length of about 80 inches (200 cm). Adult bucks normally weigh 150–300 pounds (68–140 kg), although trophy specimens may weigh around 450 pounds (200 kg); does weigh around 125–175 pounds (57–79 kg).[8] Unlike the whitetail, the mule deer does not show marked size variation across its range.

Habitat:

Oak woodland/savannah

Notes:

very young fawn