The Mule Deer is named for its large, mule-like ears that can swivel independently to detect sounds from multiple directions. Unlike white-tailed deer, mule deer flee danger by stotting—a distinctive four-legged bounding gait that enables rapid direction changes on rough terrain. Bucks shed and regrow their bifurcated antlers annually, with older individuals developing impressive multi-forked racks.
Habitat
Western mountains, shrublands, desert edges, and foothills
Diet
Browse, forbs, acorns, and grasses
How common
Common
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