Mule Deer

The mule deer has large ears that move independently and almost constantly, like a mule’s.

  • Mule deer are one of the most prevalent and easily seen wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.
  • Mule deer can be seen anywhere around Yellowstone, but especially in sagebrush areas.

Overview
A mule deer is a medium-size deer with a stocky body, and long, slim, sturdy legs. In summer, this animal is reddish brown or yellowish brown above; in winter, grayish above. It has a throat patch, rump patch, insides of ears, and insides of legs, which are white.

Interesting Facts
The mule deer has a stiff-legged bounding gait, with back legs and front legs moving together. It is also a good swimmer.
Mule deer are most active during dawn and dusk, when they venture from protective cover when it is time to feed.

During severe winter weather with low temperatures and deep snow, mule deer gather, in areas that provide food. In a group, they are better able to break trails in deep snow, and save energy.

Fawns have a reddish brown summer coat with white spots on their back and sides. The spots disappear within three to four months.

Mule deer have no canine teeth and, like the cow, have a multi-part stomach, the first two chambers of which act as temporary storage bins. Food stored here can be digested later when the deer chews its cud.

Another physical adaptation, its larger feet, allows the mule deer to claw out water as much as two feet deep, which it detects with its keen sense of smell.

Best Place to View Mule Deer
Mule deer can be seen anywhere around Yellowstone, but especially in sagebrush areas. In the summer they are often high in the mountains, amidst the fields of wildflowers or along rocky, brushy slopes.

In the late spring and summer, mule deer appear to have rust-colored fur. In the early morning and late afternoon, they appear to be almost orange. In the fall, this summer coat is shed and deer appear to be grayer. In sunshine, their distinctive white rumps are often the first thing you will see.

Respecting Wildlife
Some basic rules to follow while viewing mule deer include:

  • Keep a safe distance. Do not approach closer than within 25 yards.
  • Please use roadside pullouts when viewing wildlife.
  • Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for safe viewing and to avoid disturbing them. By being sensitive to its needs, you will see more of an animal's natural behavior and activity.
  • If you cause an animal to move, you are too close! It is illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within ANY distance that disturbs or displaces the animal. (And if this is witnessed by a Park Ranger you will be ticketed and fined)

Something not quite right? .