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Global Animal Guide

Where Do Mule Deer Live?

Quick answer

Mule Deer are native to North America. Western North America from Alaska and British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and deserts to Baja California and central Mexico.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Western North America from Alaska and British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and deserts to Baja California and central Mexico.

Continents and countries

Mule Deer occur across North America. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Western forests, sagebrush, deserts, and foothills of North America provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where mule deer persist today.

FAQs

Where do mule deer live in the wild?

Western North America from Alaska and British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and deserts to Baja California and central Mexico.

What do mule deer eat?

They feed on herbivore — browse, forbs, grasses, and acorns, varying by season and local habitat.

Are mule deer endangered?

Mule Deer are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

How big is a mule deer?

Adults weigh about 90 kg and reach roughly 1.8 m long.

Sources

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