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Fast Facts:

Closely related to the White-tailed Deer, the Mule Deer can be distinguished by their antlers.
The widespread antlers can have a 2.5 foot span. The antlers are shed between January and March. During the summer the antlers are covered with velvet.

Mule Deer

Scientific Name	Odocoileus hemionus
Classification	Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Cervidae
Status	Stable
Range	North America
Habitat	Mountains to deserts and plains
Diet	Twigs, shoots, grass, nuts, mushrooms, lichens
Size	Height: 3 feet Length: 6 feet plus a 1 foot tail Weight: 250-300 pounds
Lifespan	10 yrs.
Location
Print Fact Sheet	Mule Deer

Special Features

The Mule Deer is also called the "jumping deer" because it jumps high when running.
They have a white face and throat and a white or yellow patch on their rump.
Their excellent eyesight and sense of smell helps them avoid predators.
Although solitary, they sometimes form small herds during winter when food is scarce. .
The normally timid buck will fight aggressively for possession of a doe.

Social Structure & Behavior

Sexual maturity at 10-12 months. Gestation is 182-210 days. Usually 2 fawns, occasionally 3. They are born with spots. Weaned at 6 weeks. Antlers begin to appear at 9 months.