The Odocoileus hemionus, commonly known as the mule deer or black-tailed deer, is a deer that is native to western North America, as far out as parts of Iowa and Minnesota1 2 3.
Identifiable Features#
The O. hemionus is a medium-sized deer4, but it’s size can change depending on the region where it lives1. Pelages change colors depending on the season4, which, in winter, are dark brown, gray, or even lighter browns, while, in the summer, they are more red4. There are brown patches from the forehead to the eyes along with both sides of their noses, and the rest of the face is white2 – particularly with one to two patches on their throats4 2. The O. hemionus has big ears with black borders and white insides4. They weigh around 95 to 330 pounds2.
Compared to the Cervus canadensis their bodies, and ears relative to their head in particular, are smaller. C. canadensis also have noses which are thicker and don’t become weaker – described as being a more “robust” nose.