Living in the mountain west the deer we see most often are Mule Deer ((Odocoileus hemionus). Indigenous across the western US, they can be identified by their oversized ears resembling those of a mule, their black-tipped tail, and distinctive dark forehead. Lovingly called Muleys, outside of the mating season (rut), they tend to be calm and not particularly bothered by our presence. However, kept my distance from this big boy. I’ve seen Mule Deer all over Montana and Wyoming the last seven years, but this Muley is massive, the biggest I’ve ever seen. The largest males (bucks) can weight 460 pounds, and I think this boy is there!
The Mule Deer’s cousin, the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), is commonly thought to be an eastern US resident, but actually their range covers most of the US except a few southwestern states. Here in Colorado Springs, sitting on the Front of the Rockies, we tend to see Muleys at higher elevations (above 6,000 feet) and White-tailed in the plains at lower elevations. That distinction may not hold true in all their overlapping ranges however.
Mule Deer have a unique way of running called stotting. They bounce along on all fours, and every time I see it what comes to mind is “boing, boing, boing”. See what you think. With each bounce the deer may jump as high as 2 feet and as far as 15 feet. But when they slow down to dine, they primarily browse on shrubs, trees, and occasionally grasses and various wildflowers (forbs).
Since deer are prey animals, they have eyes on the sides of their head giving them a 310 degree view around themselves. Apparently they can detect even slight movements of a predator up to 660 yards away. Their sense of smell is up to 1,000 times stronger than a human’s. Research found the Muley can detect human odor as far away as half a mile. Well, that explains it . . .
During my first year in Montana I took a two mile hike along a creek near Yellowstone. On the way back I saw this small group of Muleys and wanted to get closer for a picture. From quite a distance I snuck into the sagebrush which was about seven feet tall and slowly walked along the creek. If I rustled any foliage I’d stop a few minutes to not startle the deer. The creek was quite full making a rushing noise I hoped would cover my advance. Finally, after maybe 20 minutes of creeping slowly I found a spot to stick my lens out of the sage and get a shot. WHAT? Who surprised who?? Ya think they caught my scent? I keep thinking they may have been laughing and joking about the silly human in the sagebrush.
Mule Deer are social animals often forming multi-generational groups of related females (does) and their offspring (fawns). Bucks older than a year often group together or remain solitary. The rut (mating season) is in the fall with gestation between six and seven months. Come spring, does typically give birth to twins, but if it is their first time giving birth, they often have only one. I sure wish I had such luxurious eye lashes!
On occasion there may be triplets, and this is the first set of three I’ve ever seen. Although uncommon, a doe can produce up to four fawns. Mom was behind me as the fawns ran across the meadow to a rock outcropping. She probably was thankful for the rest. What was getting the attention of these little ones?
Surprise! A hummingbird was swooping around their heads and between them. Hummingbirds are feisty and fearless but could it be something else capturing the fawns attention? Then proof . . .
They are certainly intrigued, but Ms. Hummer isn’t impressed. She flew up again, flew around their legs, and the far left fawn jumped. She may have pecked the fawn’s legs. They had enough as she continued to buzz them. At different speeds the fawns came back down to the meadow.
Ah-ha: Ms. Hummer 3 ✦ Fawns 0
Although prey animals, a healthy adult Mule Deer is a tough adversary and predators rarely attempt an attack. Instead they hunt old, young, or sick deer. Muleys are the major prey of mountain lions, but can be taken by coyotes, bobcats, and wolves. Most states have no wolf population including Colorado which often contributes to overpopulation requiring hunting by humans. Of course the other major predator is motorized–automobiles.
Until next time my friend, look for even the common critters that make your home special.
