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I see perhaps 20 to 50 white-tailed deer for every mule deer spotted. This was not the deer frequency during pre-settler times when mule deer dominated. But, white-tailed deer moved in with the settlers. Certainly, we now have both species locally, but I live at the valley bottom, a region favoured by white-tailed deer. Mule deer are usually found higher on the mountain sides. One must head uphill to see mule deer, and even there, they can be sparse.<\/p>\n
As distinct from white-tailed deer, mule deer are characterized by:<\/p>\n
\u2022 somewhat larger body sizes
\n\u2022 more greyish than tannish pelage in winter (both are reddish-brown in summer)
\n\u2022 larger antlers that are dendritic rather than single branching
\n\u2022 large ears (which gives them their name)
\n\u2022 black-tipped rope-like tail, as distinct from a broad tan tail
\n\u2022 when escaping, they often stot
\n\u2022 a much larger home range
\n\u2022 don’t do well around people (unlike the white-tailed)
\n\u2022 inhabit the higher elevations<\/p>\n
Two mule does were seen today at an altitude of about 680 m.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The mule doe was feeding on leaves. Her large ears and rope-like tail are evident.
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Two doe were foraging together. Here is a problem: Can you match the heads to the butts?
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I see perhaps 20 to 50 white-tailed deer for every mule deer spotted. This was not the deer frequency during pre-settler times when mule deer dominated. But, white-tailed deer moved in with the settlers. Certainly, we now have both … Continue reading