Mule deer

Mule deer live throughout Utah, in habitats from rugged mountain wilderness to urban neighborhoods, and take their name from their large, mule-like ears. Only bucks grow antlers, which they shed and regrow every year. Does usually give birth to one or two fawns in late spring or early summer.

Utah's mule deer migrate every year, from summer range high in the mountains to lower ground in winter, avoiding deep snow and looking for food. Wild Aware Utah says almost all foothill bench areas and many valley floors are traditional wintering grounds, which is why deer turn up in yards. In winter they eat mostly sagebrush and other woody plants and live partly on stored fat.

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so watch the road then, especially during the spring and winter migrations. Feeding them is strongly discouraged: a sudden change of diet in winter can kill a deer, and crowding at feed helps spread chronic wasting disease. Leave a fawn on its own where it is; its mother is usually close by. Bucks can be aggressive during the late-fall rut.