Food Habits of Mule Deer in a Semidesert Grass-Shrub Habitat

Abstract

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) selectively consumed cactus fruit, browse leaves and fruit, and forbs, when present, on semidesert grass-shrub habitats in southern Arizona. Plant species utilized were generally those that have invaded and proliferated on semidesert grasslands during the twentieth century. The seasonal diet seemed deficient in phosphorus, which may affect deer reproduction and general well being.