(Odocoileus hemionus)
Mule Deer
SIZE
Max. Length: 6.5 ft.
Max. Height: 5 ft.
Max. Weight: 250 lbs.
Top Speed: 30 mph.
Native: Yes
The only species of deer found in Orange County, mule deer can be found primarily throughout the Santa Ana Mountains and Laguna Coast Wilderness along with a few other wilderness areas around the county. They are preyed upon naturally only by mountain lions but their population is slowly declining here because of loss of habitat, vehicle collisions, and hunting.
Mule Deer Prints
Mule deer prints are probably the easiest animal prints to identify in Orange County since there are no other animals that leaves similar prints. Mule deer have hooves that are made of keratin (same as our fingernails) which help them with strength and agility. You can identify mule deer by their 2 toe prints, when it's muddy you might also see their dew claws register which appear as toenails.
