Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are a common sight here in our town in northern New Mexico. They are native to the western US and are most commonly found in the Rocky Mountain region. They are typically seen near rivers, lakes, and streams, as well as in the open fields of farmland in the area. The sight of them grazing in the fields, or visiting the nature center near the river for some bird seed, never gets old.
Read on to find out a bit more about mule deer as well as to download printable sheets of useful photos and information about them. Each Wednesday, check the bottom of the “What’s That?” post to find a PDF containing a fact sheet about the day’s featured item, as well as photographs and other resources ideal for using in a nature journal, research binder, or lap book.
Some interesting things to know about mule deer:
- Mule deer are native to the western US and are commonly seen in the Rocky Mountain region.
- They are so named for their large ears that resemble those of a mule.
- They are related to white-tail deer, but are distinguished from the white-tail by their large ears and black tipped tail, along with the shape of the antlers in males.
- Mule deer mate in the fall, have a gestation period of approximately 190-200 days, and give birth in the spring.
- It is common for mule deer to give birth to two fawns.
- The fawns stay with the mother until the next fall when the mother mates again.
- Mule deer forage on a wide variety of plants including woody trees and shrubs, and conifers. They eat very little grass but instead rely on berries, acorns, apples, and landscape vegetation, changing their diet to adapt to the season.
- Along with human hunting mule deer are also prey to mountain lions, coyotes, and gray wolves. Bobcats, bears, and wolverines have also been known to hunt mule deer or forage on the carcass of a deer.
Click here to download the mule deer nature journal resource pages to use with your own family.
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