Black-Tailed Mule Deer

Scientific Name:
Odocoileus hemionus

Found On

Carmelo Meadow Trail, Granite Point Trail, Lace Lichen Trail, Pine Ridge Trail
Description

Large mammal (up to 1.5 m/5 ft in length) with large ears and brown fur. Males grow increasingly large antlers year after year.

Behaviors

Black-tailed mule deer typically travel in small social groups, but they often graze as large groups in open meadows. Females stay close to their birth territory, while males leave and have a larger range.

Fun Facts

Every autumn, males grow a new, larger set of antlers and later shed them. The fallen antlers provide a rich source of calcium for many other forest animals throughout the year.

Nature Topics
Wildlife and Birds, Animals

Habitat

Feeding

A black-tailed mule deer standing alert in a dry grass meadow, facing the camera with its large ears upright

Photo credit: ©Kip Evans

Black-Tailed Mule Deer eats