Utah’s Big Game

Mule Deer Named for its large ears- Like a Mule Black tip on the end of tail Extremely common in Utah Open to hunting Habitat: mountains, low hill, communities, agricultural fields Feed: Forbs, grasses, berries Male=buck Female= doe During winter month, move to lower Elevation to find food

White Tail Deer Smaller than Mule Deer Has a large white tail Not found in Utah- More East Habitat: Deciduous forests, agricultural areas

Rocky Mountain Elk One of the largest land mammals Male= Bull Female= cow Hunted for meat- more lean than chicken Habitat: Mountains, valleys Feed: Grasses, leaves, bark

Pronghorn-Antelope Small Extremely wary/skiddish Do not jump, climb under fences Extremely common in Wyoming Habitat: Prefer open terrain with sage brush Feed: variety of plants, often eat plants that are toxic to cattle

Bison Aggressive Found in Henry Mountains & Antelope Island Habitat: open plains, low hills, do not like steep slopes Food: mainly grasses

Moose Solitary animals Aggressive Largest big game animal in Utah Can be found in Utah- High elevation Uintahs American fork canyon Habitat: forests, marshes, around water Food: eat tree shoots, willows, branches

Desert Bighorn Extremely good eyesight Approximately same size as deer Adaptation- need less water Live 20+ years Habitat: extremely steep, rocky terrain Food: Grasses & cacti

Mountain Goat Extremely protective of their space Mountain lion is main predator Habitat: Extremely high elevations Seen on ice & cliffs Food: grasses & lichens

Mountain Lion Nocturnal Agile 30 inches tall at shoulders Solitary animal Habitat: Prefers areas with cover Food: Carnivore- deer, antelope, small game, elk

Bobcat Smaller than the Mountain Lion Elusive Can go long periods of time without food Habitat: Areas with brush Food: Rabbits, hares, small mammals, domesticated pets?

Black Bear Usually avoid humans Aggressive with cubs Habitats: Forests Food: Omnivores- small game, berries 85 % vegetation Attracted to human settlements by food