Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Golden-mantled ground squirrel
Larger mammals
Ruminants are cud-chewing, hoofed mammals with an even number of toes. Four species are
common in the central plateaus: mule deer, elk, moose, and bison. Bull elk and moose, as
well as buck deer, have antlers and shed them every year, while both bull and cow bison have
horns.
Mule deer
(Odocoileus hemionus)
are much smaller than elk and named for the size and
shape of their ears; they are also called blacktail deer. Although their cousin, the
white-tailed
deer
(Odocoileus virginianus),
is the most numerous big game species in the United States,
there are very few whitetails inside the park. Some live just north of Gardiner in Paradise Val-
ley.
