Red Deer - Cervus elaphus

Britain's largest land mammal, the male (stag) is larger than the female (hind) and has well developed branching antlers. The male's antlers are shed each February, reappear in the spring and become larger with each successive season (the number of branches indicates its age) Summer coat is red/russet brown for both male and female but it becomes more grey/brown in winter.  They have a creamy/gingery rump and short tail. Stags have a shaggy beard under the chin.

Sika deer

Roe deer

Adult , Slots (Hoof prints) , Droppings

Clear photograph indicating size and description of any field signs is required

This species occupies a range of habitats including grassland, woodland and upland moors.

All year round

The Red deer can live up to 20 years (normally 16 years old in the wild).  The 'rut' occurs in September-November when temperatures drop and breeding starts.  Young stags (5-6 years old) will seek out females (hinds) at this time.  They will defend groups of ~ 10-15 hinds to prevent mating by other stags  Calves ae born in May or June and hidden in vegetation for the first few weeks.  The calves are weaned by 8 months and increase in weight by 30kg in their first winter.  The hinds are fertile at 15-16 months and stags, although sexually mature, don't generally hold a harem until 5-6 years old.

Stags will live in separate sex herds for much of the year, and spends much of the day resting or wallowing in mud, being most active from dusk to dawn. 

Red Deer are patchily distributed in the UK; they are widespread and locally common in the north of Scotland. Populations in Scotland and the north-west of England represent native stock, whereas in south-west Scotland and most of England they are likely to be escapees from deer parks. Conservation efforts have resulted in an increase of Red Deer populations.

Park herds only in Leicestershire and Rutland with occasional sightings nearby.

Mammal Society Red Deer https://mammal.org.uk/british-mammals/red-deer

British Deer Society Red Deer https://bds.org.uk/information-advice/about-deer/deer-species/red-deer/

Field Study Council Mammal tracks and signs ID guide https://www.field-studies-council.org/shop/publications/mammal-tracks-and-signs-guide/