Species · GBIF taxon 2440974
Odocoileus hemionus
odocoileus hemionusAlso known as Black-tailed Deer, Columbian Blacktail, Rocky Mountain Mule Deer
Mule deer navigate the rugged landscapes of western North America with a distinctive bounding leap called stotting, where all four hooves hit the ground simultaneously. Their oversized, mule-like ears constantly pivot to detect the faintest sounds of approaching predators, while their bifurcated antlers fork repeatedly as they grow. During the autumn rut, mature bucks clash in dramatic battles of strength to win breeding rights with local female herds.
HerbivoreMammalNorth American
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Herbivorous browser, feeding on woody shrubs, twigs, forbs, grasses, and acorns.
Predators
- Cougar
- Gray Wolf
- Coyote
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, chronic wasting disease, and predation.
HabitatsConiferous forests, chaparral, shrublands, deserts, and montane meadows.
Life span10 to 15 years in the wild.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderArtiodactyla
- FamilyCervidae
- GenusOdocoileus
- Speciesodocoileus hemionus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Can charge or kick if cornered or during the autumn rut; maintain a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Bucks during the autumn rut and protective mothers with fawns can charge, kick, or gore with antlers if they feel threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for large, constantly moving ears, a white rump patch with a black-tipped tail, and dichotomous antlers on males.
- What to do
- Never approach closely, especially during autumn or spring; back away slowly if a deer stares or stomps its hooves.
Responsible observation
- Keep Distance: Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to observe their natural behaviors without causing stress.
- Watch the Ears: If their large ears lock onto you and their body tenses, you are too close.
- Drive Cautiously: Scan roadsides at dawn and dusk when they are most active near highways.
Frequent Companion Membeth / CC0 · cc0
Predator National Park Service / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative USDA photo by Scott Bauer / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Paxson Woelber / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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