Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Identification & Facts
The mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus, is a North American member of the deer family (Cervidae) known for its large, mule‑like ears. In some regions and forms it’s also called the black‑tailed deer, reflecting a darker tail pattern, but all belong to the same species.
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Quick Facts
- Common name: Mule deer
- Also known as: Black-tailed Deer (for two subspecies)
- Scientific name: Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)
- Family: Cervidae (the deer family)
- Class: Mammalia
- Range: Western North America
- Diet: Herbivorous