Habitat

Depending on the season and eco-region, mule deer can be found between various zones ranging from the highest forests of the Rocky Mountains to the low desert floors of Sonora, Mexico. While mule deer occupy almost all types of habitat within their range, they seem to prefer arid, open areas and rocky hillsides.

Diet

A mule deer’s diet is quite varied. Classified as browsers, in the early Spring months, mule deer tend to feed on the lush green grasses, leaves, and herbs more than on browse species. The reverse is true throughout Summer, Fall, and Winter.

In the southwest desert regions, bitterbrush (also known as buckbrush or cliffrose), is the main course of a mule deer’s diet. Cactus, cedars, pinyon-juniper, and pine, all contribute to the make-up of a mule deer’s diet as well. When the right time of season allows, mule deer eat so carefully that they can even consume the fruit of cactus.