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

Neither can male mountain lions or mule deer, both of which inhabit this dramatic desert.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

There may be one solution everyone can get behind — something that could offer a lifeline to mule deer without the need to knock out lions.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

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 • May 13, 2025

One study found that a newborn mule deer west of the Sierra Nevada crest is over six times more likely to be killed by a black bear than to die of any other cause.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2024

Several times they spotted small bunches of mule deer moving along the upper meadow slopes near the tree line.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols