Roe deer
When: All year round
Scientific name:Capreolus capreolus
Gaelic/Scottish names: Earb/Rae
Height: 60 -75cm (buck) at shoulder
Weight: 10 – 25kg
Where:
When: All year round, but often easier to see in winter, and at dawn and dusk
If you catch sight of a small deer with a white rump it’s likely to be a roe deer. They are the smallest of our native deer – half the size of their cousins the red deer. And unlike the reds they tend to prefer their own company or stay in small family groups, rather than hanging round in herds. If you get a good look you may pick out its sooty-black nose, and pale chin. Their muzzles are short, pointed and rather dog-like – an impression strengthened if you hear them bark in alarm.
In winter they exchange their glowing, russet-brown summer coat for a heavier grey number – some even favour a sooty black version – though they never lose that white rump. Only the males (known as bucks rather than stags) have antlers. They grow a fresh pair every winter in readiness for the summer rut, when the antlers play a key part in the males’ courtship. Once the new antlers stop growing the bucks rub them hard against tree branches to remove the itchy velvet that covers them as they grow. The mangled branches are often a good clue that the deer are not far away.
Find out more at:
http://www.welcometoscotland.com/about-scotland/wildlifearoundscotland/scottishmammals/roe-deer