Wyoming’s vast and ecologically diverse landscapes, spanning from high alpine forests to arid sagebrush steppes, provide habitat for a significant population of deer. These varied environments support two different species, each uniquely adapted to survive in specific niches across the state. Understanding the differences requires recognizing distinct physical features, behavioral patterns, and preferred geographical areas.
The Two Species of Deer Found in Wyoming
The two species of deer inhabiting Wyoming are the Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Mule Deer are the more widespread and iconic species, occupying nearly all habitat types from the lowest deserts to above the timberline. White-tailed Deer, in contrast, are generally less abundant and more selective, preferring areas near permanent water sources, such as river bottoms and riparian corridors. This difference in habitat preference is a primary factor in their distribution, with Mule Deer dominating the rugged western half of the state and White-tailed Deer being more concentrated in the east.
Mule Deer Identification and Range
The Mule Deer is easily recognized by its large, mule-like ears, which can be up to one-fourth larger than those of its white-tailed relative. These expansive ears constantly rotate to detect the sounds of predators across the open terrain they inhabit. The overall body is robust, typically covered in a grayish-brown coat during the winter months, which provides camouflage against the rocky and sage-covered slopes. Adult bucks are noticeably large, often weighing over 250 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 450 pounds.
A key identifying marker is the tail, which is relatively short and thin, resembling a rope with a distinctive black tip. Unlike other deer, the Mule Deer has a large white rump patch that contrasts sharply with the dark tail. The antlers of a mature buck exhibit a bifurcated branching pattern, meaning the main beam splits once and then each subsequent tine also tends to split, forming a series of symmetrical “Y” shapes.
Mule Deer are distributed across nearly all of Wyoming, inhabiting high-altitude forests, mountain meadows, and the vast sagebrush steppe. This species is known for long-distance seasonal migrations, moving from low-elevation winter ranges to high-elevation summer ranges, with some migration routes spanning over 150 miles. Their movement is characterized by a unique, stiff-legged, four-footed bound called “stotting” or “pronking.” This bounding gait allows them to cover rough, uneven ground quickly when fleeing a perceived threat.
White-tailed Deer Identification and Range
White-tailed Deer are smaller and more delicately built than their mule deer counterparts, with a typical mature buck weighing between 150 and 200 pounds. Their coat displays a reddish-brown hue in the summer, transitioning to a buff or grayish-tan color in the winter. The ears are noticeably shorter and more proportionate to the head size.
The most prominent feature is the tail, which is broad and long, with a brown top and a pure white underside. When alarmed, the deer raises this tail, exposing the bright white underside, a behavior known as “flagging,” which serves as a visual warning signal. The antlers grow from a single main beam, with individual tines projecting upward without further splitting. This “rake-like” structure is a distinct feature separating them from the forked antlers.
In Wyoming, the White-tailed Deer population is concentrated in the eastern part of the state, particularly in the Black Hills region. Their range is strongly tied to dense cover and riparian zones, such as creek and river drainages, which provide the thick vegetation they rely on for security and food. They are highly adaptable to agricultural environments, leading to higher populations in areas with irrigated cropland and suitable forest patches. This preference for wooded, river-bottom habitats contrasts with the Mule Deer’s preference for open, mountainous terrain.
Distinguishing Features and Behavior
The most immediate distinction between the two species is the shape and color of the tail. The White-tailed Deer features a long, wide tail that is pure white underneath, which it lifts high as a “flag” when moving quickly. The Mule Deer, conversely, has a small, black-tipped, rope-like tail set against a large white rump patch, and it does not use the tail for flagging. Their ears also provide an obvious difference.
Antler structure offers another reliable way to differentiate the males. Mule Deer antlers are bifurcated, meaning they fork into symmetrical tines. White-tailed Deer antlers consist of a single main beam from which individual, non-forking tines grow vertically. The way each species moves is also unique; the Mule Deer is famous for its stiff-legged stotting gait, bouncing with all four feet simultaneously. The White-tailed Deer uses a more traditional running or galloping gait when fleeing.