Mule Deer
Mule deer get their name because their large ears resemble the large ears of a mule. Mule deer are found throughout Western Montana and migrate north to south according to the seasons. You can spot these animals in nearly every habitat from grasslands to forests – and often times, they can be found in people's backyard gardens in Western Montana.
The animal that you are likely to see while traveling near Red Lodge, Montana is the mule deer. Mature male mule deer, also known as bucks, generally have symmetrical antlers with several forks and four or more points. They graze on grasslands and in forests. Mule deer have adapted so well to living around and near people, that they often treat themselves to a delicious meal directly from someone's garden.
Mule deer do not generally form herds, but tend to be solitary animals. The young are born in the spring and the fawns have protective coloring. If you are hiking in the spring, it is possible that you will come upon a young fawn. You can take pictures, but do not disturb the little one. The mother will be close by and the fawn is just sleeping. The mother will return to her young as soon as you move on.