Mule Deer

Mule deer on winter range

The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is yellow listed (not at risk) in British Columbia.  It gets its name from its large mule-like ears. Instead of running, mule deer move with a bounding leap (stot), with all four feet coming down together.

Map

Biodiversity Interactive Map - Mule Deer

Range

• Native range extends from south-eastern Alaska south through Canada and most of the western United States and Great Plains, to northern Mexico.
• Found throughout B.C.
• Live throughout the Columbia Basin with larger populations in the southern half of the Basin.

Habitat

They prefer the dry valleys and plateaus of the southern interior. Their winter range consists of scrublands in the dry forest zone and on steep south and west-facing sites with broken terrain. They stay high in the mountains until December when the snow becomes too deep.

Reproduction

Most does have their first fawns by age two in May or June, and these fawns are usually twins.

Listing and Date

Threats to Species

Presently not threatened - population is managed by Ministry of Environment hunting regulations.

Select Reports

• Ungulate Aerial Survey Analysis and Summary
• Habitat Selection by Mule Deer in south-eastern British Columbia

Full Report Listing (most recent on top):

• Ungulate Aerial Survey Analysis and Summary
• Habitat Selection by Mule Deer in south-eastern British Columbia
• Columbia Basin, Large Mammal Monitoring: 1994-97 Aerial Surveys Final Report
• West Kootenay Mule Deer (Progress Report) April 01, 1996 - September 30, 1998
• Willowbank Mountain Ungulate Enhancement Proposal

For more information, visit the mountain mule deer Species Summary at: The BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer.