Why Do Deer Have Big Ears

The large external ears (or pinnae) of the deer work somewhat like a satellite dish. They help to amplify the sound (just like cupping your hands behind your ears), but because they can move independently of each other they also help the deer evaluate what is happening in all directions.

Do mule deer have big ears?

Mule deer are usually a dark gray-brown, with a small white rump patch and a small, black-tipped tail. Their large ears are distinctive.

What is special about the deer ears?

Deer have great hearing senses. Deer can move their ears and make them face different directions without moving their head because of the muscles it possesses. It also picks up sound frequencies higher than humans.