Mule deer, like most members of the deer family, do not have fangs. However, there are some rare instances where mule deer may exhibit upper canine teeth, similar to the ones found in other deer species such as water deer and muntjac deer. These upper canines, sometimes referred to as “whistlers” or “fangs,” are not typical or common features of mule deer anatomy.
It is important to note that the presence of upper canines in mule deer is considered an anomaly or a genetic variation rather than a standard characteristic of the species. These teeth are not functional in the same way as the canines of carnivorous animals like wolves or tigers.
The purpose and function of these upper canines in mule deer are not well understood. Some theories suggest that they may be remnants of evolutionary adaptations from a shared ancestor with other deer species that possess more prominent upper canines. Others propose that these canines may have a role in dominance displays or fighting among males during the mating season.
In my personal experience as a wildlife biologist, I have come across a few cases of mule deer with upper canines. These instances are indeed rare, and I have only encountered a handful of such individuals throughout my career. Each time, it has been a fascinating and unique observation, as it is not something you would expect to see in mule deer.
To summarize, while mule deer do not typically possess fangs or upper canines, there have been rare occurrences of individuals exhibiting these teeth. The exact purpose and significance of these upper canines in mule deer are still not fully understood and are the subject of ongoing research and speculation.