Mule Deer

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are very common in Colorado, although White-Tailed Deer are becoming somewhat prevalent in the Eastern Plains. This group is part of a resident herd on NCAR’s mesa. We see them at all times of the year and they are known to snuggle up to the warm building at night. Many have large radio collars on them with antennas sticking out, which looks futuristic. I wonder how many of us humans have such invisible collars tracking our every move for some other species.


According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, you can distinguish Mule Deer from White-tailed Deer by their gate. Mule Deer bound with a stiff-legged gait with their tail held down. White tails move with a graceful lope, the flag-like tail held erect.


Deer are vegetarian browsers who feed on the woody portions of both shrubs and trees. Interestingly, they eat little grass and so do not compete with domestic livestock. Antler growth begins in the spring so that they are ready for mating spars in autumn. By winter they are shed. Males of the species are called bucks, the females are called does, and the youngsters are called fawns.