Mule deer on the trail

Mule deer in a trail of Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico - Photo: Still Gravity.
We got a nice shot of this mule deer - License our images here.

We met a small herd of mule deer hiking the Frey Trail of Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. 

There were six or seven animals. Two were blocking the trail. They were resting at the shadow of some shrubs. The others were scattered in the surrounding area - also resting in the shadows. 

Reluctantly, the ones on the trail moved aside. After we passed, they returned to their fresh spots on the trail. 

Collage of images of mule deer in the trail in Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico - Photo: Still Gravity.
Here you can see the male and the ones on the trail. 

Mule deer are named for their large ears. Interesting that they can move them independently. These deer are found anywhere in the west of the US and are bigger than the white-tailed deer.   

Are mule deer dangerous to us? 

They usually flee, but these nervous animals can charge. This is especially true during the rut or mating season - which is in the fall, the season of these photos. The bucks may see us as competition and respond aggressively. Mothers may also attack to defend the fawns.

Lucky for us, these ones were well-behaved. A friendly herd - even if the male stood away and remained alert the whole time.

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