Bishop’s Graceful Mule Deer
On your wildlife tour through the scenic landscape of Bishop’s Backyard, the large mammal you’re most likely to encounter is the mule deer. While there are six subspecies found in California, the one you’ll see here is the California mule deer.
Mule Deer’s Eastern Sierra Adaptations
If you’ve read our segments about wild horses, tule elk, and even bighorn sheep, you know the large mammals in this part of the country are specially adapted to the Eastern Sierra’s landscape. That’s absolutely true for the mule deer. This region of the state is home to the Inyo mule deer, a subspecies of the California mule deer. The key differentiating factor between other California mule deer is their range and adaptations to the Eastern Sierra’s high-elevation environment.
This species has a robust body and is larger than the eastern white-tailed deer but smaller than the Rocky Mountain mule deer. Unlike white-tailed deer, which have forward-growing antlers, this species’ antlers grow upward. Their coat color also changes seasonally. In warmer months, it is a lighter reddish-brown for better blending in sunlit landscapes, while in colder months, it turns a darker, muted brown for camouflage in shadowy terrains and against leafless trees or snow.
Where to See Them
There are roughly eight herds, totaling several thousand mule deer occupying various broad ranges in the Eastern Sierra. Two in particular—the Round Valley herd and the Gooddale herd—are the closest to Bishop. The best time to see these native residents is in the winter, when they descend into the valley for warmer climates and greener pastures. As the snow melts, they migrate to higher elevations to forage, spreading out over more than 1,000 square miles, which makes them a bit hard to find. To learn more about spotting them and other animals during winter, be sure to read our article: Finding Winter Wildlife in Bishop’s Big Backyard.
Interesting Mule Deer Facts:
- Mule deer get their name from their large ears, which resemble those of a mule.
- While mule deer can run, you’ll often see them stotting, which is when all four legs lift off the ground simultaneously, as if they’re training for the Olympics.
Photo captured by Levi Aguilera
Written by:
Alex Silgalis
Alex founded localfreshies.com® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
