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-[[File:Mule deer migration.jpg|thumb|375x375px|Mule deer migrating in snow. By Travis Zaffarano, Wyoming Migration Initiative/University of Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.]]
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-Mule deer, like many other animals, migrate from low elevation winter ranges to high elevations summer ranges<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Red Desert to Hoback Migration Assessment {{!}} Wyoming Migration Initiative|url=https://migrationinitiative.org/content/red-desert-hoback-migration-assessment|access-date=2021-02-25|website=migrationinitiative.org}}</ref>. Although not all individuals in populations migrate, some will travel long distances between summer and winter ranges<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aug. 20|first=Emily Benson|last2=Now|first2=2018 From the print edition Like Tweet Email Print Subscribe Donate|date=2018-08-20|title=The long, strange trip of Deer 255|url=https://www.hcn.org/issues/50.14/wildlife-the-long-strange-trip-of-deer-255|access-date=2021-02-25|website=www.hcn.org|language=en-us}}</ref>. Researchers discovered the longest mule deer migration in Wyoming spanning 150 miles from winter to summer range<ref name=":0" />. Wyoming is not the only state to track mule deer migrations. Colorado, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon are some other states that are also focusing on the importance of migration for mule deer populations<ref>{{Cite web|title=Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Species Data - Mule Deer Migration Corridors - Colorado GeoLibrary|url=https://geo.colorado.edu/catalog/47540-5d77f6dc7ddc9900093cf4f5|access-date=2021-02-25|website=geo.colorado.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New big game studies in Montana aimed at declining numbers, disease|url=https://www.gohunt.com/read/news/new-big-game-studies-in-montana-aimed-at-declining-numbers-disease|access-date=2021-02-25|website=goHUNT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-09-19|title=Mule Deer Initiative|url=https://idfg.idaho.gov/mdi/|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Idaho Fish and Game|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lewis|first=Gary|title=Central Oregon mule deer migrations in crisis|url=https://www.bendbulletin.com/outdoors/central-oregon-mule-deer-migrations-in-crisis/article_9394950f-84d2-519e-98ad-bdf722b24f1f.html|access-date=2021-02-25|website=The Bulletin|language=en}}</ref>.
-== Migration ==
-Animal migrations are interesting phenomenons, that tell incredible stories. Migration can be an important strategy for animals to acquire the best resources and find better climate and habitat depending on the season<ref>{{Cite web|title=How and Why Animals Migrate - NatureWorks|url=https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/nwep4c.htm|access-date=2021-02-25|website=nhpbs.org}}</ref>. Animals typically travel between winter and summer habitats or ranges. Winter ranges are typically characterized by low elevations with small amounts of snow, while summer ranges are characterized by high elevations with ample feed<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why is winter range important for wildlife?|url=https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/news/blog/2019-blog-posts/why-is-winter-range-important-for-wildlife|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Deschutes Land Trust|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ferguson|first=Kenneth|date=May 2005|title=Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)|url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs143_010100.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-25|website=NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)|publisher=Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Leaflet}}</ref> One of the most extreme migrations known to scientist is the bar-headed geese (''Anser indicus'') migration; in which, the individuals fly from their winter range at sea level over top the Himalaya Mountains to their summer range<ref>{{Cite web|last=KesslerJun. 7|first=Rebecca|last2=2011|last3=Pm|first3=4:37|date=2011-06-07|title=The Most Extreme Migration on Earth?|url=https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2011/06/most-extreme-migration-earth|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Science {{!}} AAAS|language=en}}</ref>. Many animals migrate and this page will focus on mule deer (''Odocoileus hemionus'') migrations.
-== Benefits ==
-[[File:Paradise Valley Mule Deer.jpg|thumb|325x325px|Mule deer migrate in order to access better resources.|left]]
-Mule deer migrate to access better resources for their survival<ref name=":0" />. In addition, migration keeps deer from being impacted by harsh winter conditions like deep snow, that covers up resources such as food<ref>{{Cite web|title=UNDERSTANDING MULE DEER MIGRATIONFact Sheet #12|url=https://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/mule_deer/mdwg-12_migration.pdf|url-status=live|website=Mule Deer Working Group: Fact Sheet}}</ref>. As deer migrate from winter range to summer range, their timing of migration is dictated by the seasonal green-up, when plants begin to emerge and grow<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=New study: Migrating mule deer don't need directions|url=https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-08/uow-nsm082319.php|access-date=2021-03-15|website=EurekAlert!|language=en}}</ref>. Researchers found that there is evidence to suggest that mule deer migrate based on cognitive memory, meaning they use the same path year after year even if the availability of resources has changed<ref name=":1" />. This contradicts the idea that animals will go to the areas with the best available resources, which makes migratory paths crucial for survival.
-== Risks ==
-[[File:Turkey Vultures eating road kill - Stierch 02.JPG|thumb|252x252px|Mule deer hit on highway.]]
-There are many risks that mule deer face during migration including climate change and human disturbance. Climate change is impacting how and when plants grow<ref>{{Cite web|title=Impacts of climate change on migrating mule deer|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200612111414.htm|access-date=2021-04-06|website=ScienceDaily|language=en}}</ref>. This is a risk for migrating mule deer because the historic migration paths they know to follow for beneficial forage are changing, thus making it harder for deer to migrate effectively <ref>{{Cite journal|last=Aikens|first=Ellen O.|last2=Monteith|first2=Kevin L.|last3=Merkle|first3=Jerod A.|last4=Dwinnell|first4=Samantha P. H.|last5=Fralick|first5=Gary L.|last6=Kauffman|first6=Matthew J.|date=2020-08|title=Drought reshuffles plant phenology and reduces the foraging benefit of green‐wave surfing for a migratory ungulate|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/gcb.15169|journal=Global Change Biology|language=en|volume=26|issue=8|pages=4215–4225|doi=10.1111/gcb.15169|issn=1354-1013}}</ref>. In other words, deer may be having trouble finding plants as they green-up.
-The human population is constantly growing  and more resources need to be extracted in order to provide for this growth<ref>{{Citation|title=Population growth|date=2021-04-03|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Population_growth&oldid=1015827535|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2021-04-06}}</ref>. Among the human activities, natural resource extraction, highways, fencing, and urban development all seem to have an impact on mule deer populations and migrations<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Sawyer|first=Hall|last2=Kauffman|first2=Matthew J.|last3=Nielson|first3=Ryan M.|date=2009-09|title=Influence of Well Pad Activity on Winter Habitat Selection Patterns of Mule Deer|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2193/2008-478|journal=Journal of Wildlife Management|volume=73|issue=7|pages=1052–1061|doi=10.2193/2008-478|issn=0022-541X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Coe|first=Priscilla K.|last2=Nielson|first2=Ryan M.|last3=Jackson|first3=Dewaine H.|last4=Cupples|first4=Jacqueline B.|last5=Seidel|first5=Nigel E.|last6=Johnson|first6=Bruce K.|last7=Gregory|first7=Sara C.|last8=Bjornstrom|first8=Greg A.|last9=Larkins|first9=Autumn N.|last10=Speten|first10=David A.|date=2015-06|title=Identifying migration corridors of mule deer threatened by highway development: Mule Deer Migration and Highways|url=http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/wsb.544|journal=Wildlife Society Bulletin|language=en|volume=39|issue=2|pages=256–267|doi=10.1002/wsb.544}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-09|title=Abandoned Fencing Is Detrimental to Mule Deer and Other Wildlife|url=http://johninthewild.com/abandoned-fencing-is-detrimental-to-mule-deer-and-other-wildlife/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=John In The Wild|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New Study Finds That Expanding Development Is Associated With Declining Deer Recruitment Across Western Colorado|url=https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9112/New-Study-Finds-That-Expanding-Development-Is-Associated-With-Declining-Deer-Recruitment-Across-Western-Colorado.aspx|access-date=2021-04-06|website=newsroom.wcs.org|language=en-US}}</ref>. All of these activities and structures cause habitat degradation and fragmentation. Natural gas development has been found to have varying negative effects on mule deer behavior and can even cause them to avoid areas they use to migrate<ref name=":2" />. Highways not only cause injury and death to mule deer, but they can also serve as a barrier to migration<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last=Sawyer|first=Hall|last2=Kauffman|first2=Matthew J.|last3=Middleton|first3=Arthur D.|last4=Morrison|first4=Thomas A.|last5=Nielson|first5=Ryan M.|last6=Wyckoff|first6=Teal B.|date=2012-12-05|title=A framework for understanding semi-permeable barrier effects on migratory ungulates|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12013|journal=Journal of Applied Ecology|volume=50|issue=1|pages=68–78|doi=10.1111/1365-2664.12013|issn=0021-8901}}</ref>. As traffic volumes increase, the more mule deer tend to avoid those areas and abandon their typical migration routes<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Federal Highway Administration|url=https://highways.dot.gov/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=highways.dot.gov}}</ref>. It has also been found that fencing can alter deer behavior, acting as a barrier, and potentially changing mule deer migration patterns<ref>{{Cite web|title=New study reveals how fences hinder migratory wildlife in Western US|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210112160146.htm|access-date=2021-04-06|website=ScienceDaily|language=en}}</ref>. In addition, urban development has replaced mule deer habitat with subdivisions, and human activity has increased<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=New Study Finds That Expanding Development Is Associated With Declining Deer Recruitment Across Western Colorado|url=https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9112/New-Study-Finds-That-Expanding-Development-Is-Associated-With-Declining-Deer-Recruitment-Across-Western-Colorado.aspx|access-date=2021-04-06|website=newsroom.wcs.org|language=en-US}}</ref>. As a result of this, researchers have seen a decline in mule deer populations<ref name=":4" />. This is especially prominent in Colorado where the population has grown by over 2.2 million since 1980<ref name=":4" />.[[File:Sublette mule deer study (Phase II) - long-term monitoring plan to assess potential impacts of energy development on mule deer in the Pinedale Anticline Project Area - 2005 annual report (IA sublettemuledeer00sawy).pdf|thumb|518x518px|Research is ongoing to determine the impacts humans have on mule deer migration.]]
-== The Future of mule deer migration ==
-=== Protecting migration corridors ===
-Protecting migrations corridors is essential to maintain healthy mule deer populations. One thing everyone can do is help slow the increase in climate change by using greener energy sources and reducing the amount of waste in our households<ref>{{Cite web|last=July 17|last2=Denchak|first2=2017 Melissa|title=How You Can Stop Global Warming|url=https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming|access-date=2021-04-06|website=NRDC|language=en}}</ref>. In addition, managers and researchers can assess the risks listed above and take the proper steps to mitigate any adverse impacts those risk have on mule deer populations. Not only will multi deer populations benefit from these efforts but so will many other wildlife species<ref>{{Cite web|title=Protecting big-game migration corridors|url=https://www.nfwf.org/media-center/featured-stories/protecting-big-game-migration-corridors|access-date=2021-04-06|website=NFWF|language=en}}</ref>.
-==== Highways ====
-Since highways, and other roads, can have an impact on mule deer populations and migrations there are steps managers are taking to soften the blows. One way to help protect deer from getting hit on roadways is to install high fence wildlife fencing with escape routes<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last=Siemers|first=Jeremy L.|last2=Wilson|first2=Kenneth R.|last3=Baruch-Mordo|first3=Sharon|date=May 2015|title=MONITORING WILDLIFE-VEHICLE COLLISIONS: ANALYSIS AND COST- BENEFIT OF ESCAPE RAMPS FOR DEER AND ELK ON U.S. HIGHWAY 550|url=https://www.codot.gov/programs/research/pdfs/2015-research-reports/wildliferamps|journal=Colorado Department of Transportation: Applied Research and Innovation Branch}}</ref>. This helps keep deer off the road, preventing vehicle collisions and allowing animals that are trapped between the road and the fence a way to escape to safety<ref name=":5" />. However, to maintain migration routes that cross busy highways, managers have also implemented natural, vegetated, overpasses and underpasses to allow animals, like mule deer, to migrate and move safely across highways<ref>{{Cite web|last=staff|first=the Star-Tribune|title=Wyoming wildlife crossings labeled success|url=https://trib.com/lifestyles/recreation/wyoming-wildlife-crossings-labeled-success/article_50658617-4dc9-5327-8bf3-4ce7c6f7778c.html|access-date=2021-04-07|website=Casper Star-Tribune Online|language=en}}</ref>.
-==== Natural resource extraction ====
-It is clear that humans need natural gas and oil to heat our homes and keep our vehicles running, but the extractions of these resources in mule deer habitat have led to avoidance of these area, possibly migration routes, by mule deer<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=2015-08-12|title=Study quantifies natural gas development impacts on mule deer|url=https://source.colostate.edu/study-quantifies-natural-gas-development-impacts-on-mule-deer/|access-date=2021-04-07|website=SOURCE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite journal|last=Sawyer|first=Hall|last2=Korfanta|first2=Nicole M.|last3=Nielson|first3=Ryan M.|last4=Monteith|first4=Kevin L.|last5=Strickland|first5=Dale|date=2017|title=Mule deer and energy development—Long-term trends of habituation and abundance|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/gcb.13711|journal=Global Change Biology|language=en|volume=23|issue=11|pages=4521–4529|doi=10.1111/gcb.13711|issn=1365-2486}}</ref>. More research is being conducted on proper ways to mitigate this issue<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />. Some possible solution are to regulate the time of year when active drilling and heavy traffic to sites are taking place<ref name=":6" />. In addition, using detail and well-informed planning to protect critical deer habitat and using barriers to mitigate the activity, noise, light at the extraction sites<ref name=":6" />.
-==== Urban development ====
-As the human population continues to grow, so does the space required to house and produce food for the population. The increase in urbanization has impacted mule deer migrations and there is evidence to show it also disrupts gene flow among mule deer populations<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Fraser|first=Devaughn L.|last2=Ironside|first2=Kirsten|last3=Wayne|first3=Robert K.|last4=Boydston|first4=Erin E.|date=2019-05|title=Connectivity of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations in a highly fragmented urban landscape|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10980-019-00824-9|journal=Landscape Ecology|volume=34|issue=5|pages=1097–1115|doi=10.1007/s10980-019-00824-9|issn=0921-2973}}</ref>. One clear option is to not build houses in critical mule deer habitat; however, build near mule deer habitat has resulted in some deer becoming accustom to humans and the resources, such as food and water<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=July 2014|title=URBAN MULE DEER ISSUES Fact Sheet #9|url=http://heber-ut.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=heber-ut_a53c37a97d8dc2d06ec4adf8cafd66cb.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=July 2014|website=Mule Deer Working Group Fact Sheet}}</ref>. Rather than migrate through urban areas some deer tend to stay close to those urban developments, potentially for resources and to avoid the obstacles in urban areas<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 2014|title=UNDERSTANDING MULE DEER MIGRATION Fact Sheet #12|url=https://congressionalsportsmen.org/uploads/home/MDWG_Mule_Deer_Migration.pdf|url-status=live|website=Mule Deer Working Group}}</ref>. To protect mule deer genetic diversity and migration paths, homeowners should keep from feeding deer, plant deer restitant plants, and have scare devices such as noise making devices<ref name=":8" />.
-== References ==
-{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Animal migration]]