Deer

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) is home to both mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The mule deer is an exclusively western species commonly seen in open brush country throughout the western states. Widely dispersed throughout Yellowstone National Park during the summer, mule deer migrate seasonally and most of the population winters outside of the park. Although the white-tailed deer is the most common deer species throughout North America, it has never been abundant in Yellowstone and is less frequently seen in the park. This may be due to habitat and elevation constraints on the northern range, or competition from other ungulates that are better suited to park habitat. The two species are physically differentiated by their antler shape and tail size and appearance.
 
Report A Sighting of these species.

 
Updated 7/07/08