Dark Ruddy-Brown Deer?

[Hikin_Jim]

So when I was out hiking in the Verdugos, this past Saturday, I came across a small deer. Most of the deer I see in the local area are a sort of a light tannish brown color.

This one was a dark ruddy-brown color. It also appeared to be a bit smaller than I'm used to.

Anyone know what gives here? Is this just a normal variation within the Mule Deer population? Are the deer in the Verugos getting inbred*? Is this an exotic that escaped from somewhere? Is there a sub-species or species I'm heretofore unaware of?

*geez, redneck deer, imagine that.