CHAPTER XVI
MULE DEER

THE scientific name of the mule deer—so called because
the ears of this particular species are larger in proportion
than those of any other of our deer—is Odocoileus hemionus.
At one time they were known as Mazama hemionus,
though why the change was made is unknown to me;
probably the zoologists who decide such matters had
good and sufficient reasons. Several years ago mule deer
were frequently referred to as ‘‘ black tail,’ as were also
the deer that are found to the west of the Cascade Range ;
hence there was much difficulty in knowing which species
was being referred to. Eventually the name ‘“ black
tail,’ which was in no way a fitting appellation for either,
was dropped altogether.

As has already been mentioned, mule deer were at one
time a comparatively scarce animal in this Province, but
when the wapiti disappeared they multiplied at a rapid
rate all over the interior, and particularly so in that
portion of it that is known as the ‘“‘ dry belt.” The
most westerly limit of their habitat is the summit of the
Cascade Range, as they cannot stand the relaxing climate
of the coast. Occasionally one or two may wander beyond
the limit of their regular range if it happens to be a dry
season, but if they do so, their stay is of short duration.
Any that have been brought to the coast for Zoological
Gardens have never survived long. Nor is the northern
portion of the country to their liking. Some were once
seen as far north as Cassiar, but they soon disappeared,
and for many years there were hardly any north of

latitude 54°. They seem to be becoming more acclimatized
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