mule deer

American  

noun

1. a deer, Odocoileus hemionus, of western North America, having large ears and a gray coat.

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mule deer British  

noun

1. a W North American deer, Odocoileus hemionus, with long ears and a black-tipped tail

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Etymology

Origin of mule deer

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Santa Catalina Island’s mule deer are back in the crosshairs.

From Los Angeles Times

Either way, the coyotes found a ready food source in the fawn of mule deer, which themselves have a controversial history on the island.

From Los Angeles Times

That said, these two sites are a true escape, and you’ll likely see wildlife like mule deer and hear the howls of coyotes.

From Los Angeles Times

More than any other animal, mule deer cause more injuries to visitors in the park, according to a National Park Service Instagram post.

From Los Angeles Times

Its native grasses and forested hillsides host nesting ospreys and more than 200 other bird species, along with mule deer, wild turkeys, coyotes and the rare pipevine swallowtail butterfly.

From Los Angeles Times