The mule deer, named for its large, mule-like ears, is a common and iconic species found throughout California’s diverse habitats, including forests, foothills, and arid deserts. Recognizable by their black-tipped tails and forked antlers in males, mule deer are well adapted to the varied terrain, often migrating seasonally between higher elevations in summer and lower areas in winter. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and leaves, and play an important role in maintaining plant community balance. While generally shy and elusive, they can often be seen at dawn or dusk, and their presence is a familiar and valued part of California’s natural landscape.
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