Mule deer are one of the most iconic and beloved wildlife in the American West. They are so-named because of their large ears that look like a mule's ears. During summer, these deer are a tannish-brown colour and in winter they are brownish-grey. There is a white patch on their rump and they have a small white tail tipped with black. The fawns have a spotted coat. The bucks (males), have forked antlers, which are shed in mid-February. Their next set of antlers then starts to grow immediately. Antlers have a covering of velvety skin until they are fully formed, at which point the buck scrapes off this layer. Females (does) do not have antlers. |
