On The Range
Mule Deer!
We have previously looked at Big Horn Sheep and Pronghorn. Another species that shares the Virginia Range includes Mule Deer.
These animals are indigenous to North America, known for their large ears like a mule, hence the name.
Did you know?
Mule deer have a white rump and a tail with a black tip. Whereas White Tail deer have a brown rump and only have white underneath the tail.
The “rut” or mating season for mule deer starts in the fall. The gestation period of the does is 190 to 200 days with fawns being born in spring. Fawns stay with mom until fall when they are weaned.
The bucks lose their antlers in the winter and then begin growing new ones for the next season’s rut.
Aside from humans, their primary predators on the Virginia Range are mountain lions and coyotes!
Volunteers on the range get to see these other species during their excursions. Sounds like a pretty cool day!
Photos by Christine Dallas
Speaking with the Ear
By Deborah Walker
Have you ever sat and watched how often a horse's ears move? There is an assortment of communication happening and we've discovered some interesting tidbits.
You may have noticed that the horse ears operate apart from one another and can pivot in several directions.
When ears are forward you know they are listening but do not necessarily feel threatened. Rigidly forward and listening intently helps the horse to determine whether the sound is a threat or not. Their eyes, which function monocularly, are also focused forward and alert, preparing to flee if necessary. Ears back is commonly associated with the horse being angry, giving a warning to move away. This is certainly the case when they are pasted back, and the nostrils and mouth are pinched. A stallion that does this while lowering his head is communicating with his harem to move NOW. This is called "snaking". This communication is also used with threatening humans and/or invading stallions. We often tell observers and photographers that this signals the stallion would like you to leave, and you should.
There is also a relaxed ear back which is entirely different. This can signal concentration, or listening to what is behind them. It can also be a signal of "please don't hurt me" mostly associated with younger horses around an older horse, mainly a stallion. Often abused domestic horses will do this when approached by new humans.
As we witness horses in bands, we see that their heads are down grazing and often one ear is forward and another listening behind them. I see this a lot and think it's very cool when they are doing this ... horse multitasking with their ears.
When horses have relaxed ears floppy to the side, they are very content and feel safe. We see this when horses are grazing with their families or munching on a flake of hay. So next time you watch horses, listen to their ears!
