Wildlife Wednesday - if mule deer were reindeer…

by Andy Ames

If Mule deer were Reindeer, they would have much bigger feet. Reindeer are also know as Caribou, a name derived from the Micmac “halibu” which means “pawer” or “scratcher” for the way Caribou did through the snow as they forage for lichen in the winter. Caribou feet are large, compared to other deer, with well developed dew claws. In the winter the soft inner pad of the hoof shrinks and hardens while dense hair grows to cover the bottom of the hooves. This creates a concave, shovel-like foot that not only aid in digging through snow but also act as snowshoes for better traction and floatation.

If Mule deer were Reindeer, both males and females would grow antlers. Adult males have the largest antlers relative to their size of all deer species. They start growing each spring and are shed shortly after their mating season, or rut, in the fall. Younger males may not shed their antlers until late winter, while females loose theirs last, during the calving season in May and June.

If Mule deer were Reindeer, they may have red noses. Reindeer have a high concentration of blood vessels in their noses so may look rosy in cold temperatures or when exerting themselves. Reindeer noses also have a couple of other unique traits to help deep with the cold. Their noses are covered with hair, even into their nostrils, while their nasal cavity has a spiraling structure to allow the air to warm before entering the lungs and cool before being exhaled which helps retain moisture.

If Mule deer were Reindeer, they could pull sleighs. In some parts of the world reindeer have become domesticated, or at least semi domesticated. For thousands of years Reindeer have been used for their meat, milk, hides, and as draft animals.

Now, if Reindeer were Mule deer, maybe they could fly! When they need to move quickly, Mule deer have a unique way of covering ground. They bound along (also called pronking or stotting) at speeds up to 45 mph, covering long distances with each stride. If you have ever witnessed this event you just might think deer really can fly!