For many mammals, winning the right to mate during the season is a serious undertaking that involves tests of resilience, determination, and strength. For these mule deer, it’s no different; to succeed during their mating season, the rut, it’s up to them to establish dominance over other bucks and earn their place in the social hierarchy.
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This footage of two mule deer testing their mettle against each other is from the Tetons mountain range, where the Grand Tetons National Park is located, in northwest Wyoming.
What To Look For When Spotting Mule Deer
Mule deer have a limited geographic distribution compared to white-tailed deer, to which they are related, and mainly keep to the western areas of the United States, with territories that sometimes overlap with their white-tailed cousins.
When spotting mule deer, keep an eye on their ears, tails, and antlers, which are their identifying features. Unlike their white-tailed cousins, their tails end in distinctive black tips, and their antlers develop in more of a forking pattern.
As these bucks face off against each other, there is a good view of this antler pattern, but also their large ears, like a mule’s, from which they gained their name.
Establishing Dominance
There are many reasons for two males to come into conflict with each other, but most contests are down to either the rut or territorial disputes.
The rut is the breeding season for mule deer and other mammals, such as elk, and takes place in autumn. During this period, males become more aggressive as they compete for mating rights.
The forked antlers that these bucks have grown over the year are weapons in the fight, as they use them to overpower their rivals.
Maintaining Territorial Borders
In the second section of the footage, one of the bucks can be seen rubbing its antlers on nearby shrubs and trees. This is potentially a part of a territorial display for a solitary buck.
The fight between these two does seem to lack urgency and appears to be a more measured contest of strength between them. The two interlock antlers and use their powerful neck muscles to twist their opponent’s head, and force them back into submission.
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Keeping Safe During The Rut
The National Park Service advises observing animals from a distance at all times, so as not to disturb them. This is especially important during the rut, in the fall, as male mule deer and males from other mammals, such as elk, can become more aggressive.
Being aware of mule deer can also help prevent damage to vehicles and ecosystems, as they can often be found grazing along roadsides. Alongside coyotes, wolves, and cougars, humans are one of the biggest threats that mule deer face, but even small changes like following speed limits and being aware of surroundings can make a huge difference.