Where does the mule deer live?
The mule deer lives in western North America: from the western Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, the south-western United States, northern Mexico and the west coast. Its range is smaller than the white-tailed deer's. It has also been introduced to Argentina and Kauai, Hawaii. It migrates from low-elevation winter ranges to high-elevation summer ranges, with a record migration of 150 miles in Wyoming.
What does the mule deer eat?
Mule deer are intermediate feeders: they predominantly browse but also eat forb vegetation, small amounts of grass, and tree or shrub fruits. It is named for its large ears, like those of a mule. It is often seen stotting, with all four feet coming down together. Its antlers fork as they grow, and are shed in mid-February.
Is the mule deer endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern, but its populations face habitat loss, climate change and disease. It is the largest of the Odocoileus species on average, 80 to 106 cm at the shoulder. Adult bucks typically weigh 55 to 150 kg, averaging about 92 kg, and does 43 to 90 kg.
