Well-camouflaged mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), Big Bend National Park, 2015.

Big Bend is home to two distinct species of deer that, at first glance, may appear similar; however, upon closer inspection you'll notice a few key characteristics helpful for identification. Distinguish mule deer from white-tailed deer most easily by the ears, color of the tail and configuration of antlers. The mule deer has a black-tipped tail, bifurcated antlers (they fork as they grow) and very large mule-like ears. White-tailed deer do not have these characteristics. As you see in the photo, the subspecies of white-tailed deer in the park, Carmen Mountains Jorge deer (Odocoileus virginianus carminis), also prefer dense woodland thickets of the Chisos Mountains and foothills.