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Mule Deer live in a broad range of habitats - forests, deserts, and brushlands. Mountain populations migrate to higher elevation in warmer months, looking for nutrient-rich new-grown grasses, twigs, and shrubs. They maintain separate summer and winter ranges, connected by a migratory pathway. In milder climates, they do not migrate. They live in small social groups of about three, except during the winter, when large groups may come together to feed in open meadows. Females tend to stay close to where they were born. Males disperse farther, establish their own territories, and compete for access to females during the October and November breeding season. The males lose their antlers after breeding and grow new ones yearly, with each set becoming larger than the previous one. Newborns, with spotted coats, are well-camouflaged.
Also known as:
California Mule Deer, Black-tailed Deer
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males are usually heavier than females.
Length:
Range:
1.3-1.7 m males; 1.3-1.6 m females
Weight:
Range:
40-120 kg males; 30-80 kg females
References:
Rafinesque, Constantine Samuel., 1817. Extracts from the Journal of Mr. Charles Le Raye, relating to some new Quadrupeds of the Missouri Region, with notes by C. S. R. American Monthly Magazine and Critical Review, 1:435-436.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
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