Rocky mountain mule deer
A species of Hollow-tooth Scientific name : Odocoileus hemionus hemionus Genus : Hollow-tooth
Rocky mountain mule deer, A species of Hollow-tooth
Scientific name: Odocoileus hemionus hemionus
Genus: Hollow-tooth
Content
Description General Info
Description
Rocky mountain mule deer thrives in a variety of habitats, displaying remarkable adaptability. It is a prodigious jumper, using its leap not only for locomotion, but also as a survival strategy against predators. Rocky mountain mule deer is a ruminant herbivore, its diet varies greatly, and plays a significant role in influencing the composition of vegetation in its ecosystem.
General Info
Lifespan
9-20 years
Diet
Rocky mountain mule deer primarily subsists on a herbivorous diet, consuming shrubs, grass, and mushrooms. However, its dietary preferences vary seasonally, indulging in tree shoots, budding flowers, and green leaves during the spring.
Appearance
Rocky mountain mule deer is a medium-sized deer with a slender, muscular body, and a coat that ranges from gray-brown in winter to reddish-brown in summer. It differs from other deer species with its distinctively large ears and black-tipped tail. The males boast branched antlers, which are commonly shed during winter. Young fawns exhibit white-spotted coats for camouflaging.
Behavior
Rocky mountain mule deer typically demonstrate a crepuscular lifestyle, being most active during dawn and dusk. They exhibit a solitary pattern except during the mating season. Predominantly browsers rather than grazers, they forage for a diverse diet. Rocky mountain mule deer show a notable escape behavior; rather than hiding, they prefer to flee from predators. Adapted to wide-ranging habitats, they are both migratory and residential depending on the environment's condition.