The mule deer is found all over the western United States. It lives in forests, deserts and shrub woodlands.

A mule deer is dark gray-brown. It has a white rump patch. Its tail is white with a black tip. The ears are large. They look like a mule’s ears. The ears can twist in many directions.

The male mule deer (buck) has large antlers. A buck’s antlers start growing in the spring.The female does not have any antlers.

The female is called a doe. A doe usually gives birth to two baby fawns a year. A fawn is born covered with white spots. The spots help the baby blend in with the ground. This hides it from predators.

A mule deer eats a variety of plant foods. It especially likes acorns, mushrooms and green leaves.