Uploaded May 2013 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Mule deer are named for their mule-like ears, a great adaptation for living in the desert. Large ears not only help them hear exceptionally well, but they serve as a cooling system. Warm blood is circulated up to the ears, where it is cooled by air passing over the blood vessels, then recirculates the cooled blood back to the core, acting as a natural air conditioning system.
Mule deer are named for their mule-like ears, a great adaptation for living in the desert. Large ears not only help them hear exceptionally well, but they serve as a cooling system. Warm blood is circulated up to the ears, where it is cooled by air passing over the blood vessels, then recirculates the cooled blood back to the core, acting as a natural air conditioning system.
