Mule Deer – Peaceful Vegetarians- Animal Art
Mule Deer are native to North America; more specifically to the Rocky Mountains west of the Missouri river. Named for their big ears, they are distinguished from white-tailed deer by black-tipped tails, long ears, and antlers which are forked rather than branching from a single stem.
Bucks usually shed their antlers in mid- February, then start to re-grow another set almost immediately. They stand 30- 40 inches tall at the shoulders and are 4-7 feet long (nose to tail). Big bucks can weigh 200-400 pounds, but does average 150 lbs.
Mating season or “the Rut” occurs in the fall, as the females become fertile for a few days. After mating they can become fertile again within a month if they are not pregnant.
Gestation is around 6 1/2 months; fawns are born in the spring, stay with mom thru the summer and are weaned in the fall. Most often twins are born, but the first litter is usually a single fawn.
Besides humans, the main predators of mule deer are gray wolves, coyotes and cougars.
Black bears, wolverines, bobcats, and brown bears may prey on mule deer- but usually only attack fawns or injured deer, or feed on the carcasses of deer who have died naturally.
Mule deer are strict vegetarians, eating shrubs, trees, nuts and grasses. They can (and do) eat almost any kind of vegetation, and can quickly consume an entire garden. Deer have consumed almost every type of flower, grass, or vegetables we have ever planted.
Deer thrive in the suburbs– especially on the edges of our cities. These animals are NOT endangered and, in fact, have thrived along side of our civilization. In many locations they have become overpopulated, creating another problem.
All that aside, deer are beautiful and peaceful creatures, which most of us admire.
To see more of my Deer Paintings…Click Here
