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 Minnesota[1] [2] [3].
Identifiable Features
The O. hemionus is a medium-sized deer[4], but it’s size can change depending on the region where it lives[1]. Pelages change colors depending on the season[4], which, in winter, are dark brown, gray, or even lighter browns, while, in the summer, they are more red[4]. There are brown patches from the forehead to the eyes along with both sides of their noses, and the rest of the face is white[2] – particularly with one to two patches on their throats[4] [2]. The O. hemionus has big ears with black borders and white insides[4]. They weigh around 95 to 330 pounds[2].
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.
Odocoileus hemionus by U.S. National Forest Service Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) ↩ ↩2
Odocoileus hemionus: mule deer by Animal Diversity Web (ADW) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
Odocoileus hemionus (Mule Deer) by Matthew Trujillo ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5