Red Deer

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Scientific name:  Cervus elaphus

Size:  The male is about 140cm at the shoulder, and the female is around 120cm. Adult males can weigh up to 220kg

Distribution:  Wild populations can be found in the Scottish Highlands, North Devon, the Lake District, the Quantock Hills, the New Forest, East Anglia, the Lake District, the Peak District and The Brecon Beacons (Wales).  There are also many herds in parks throughout the UK.  Those in the Lake District are native and the rest originate from park or deer farm escapees

Months seen:  All year round

Habitat:  Forests, woods, parks and open moorlands

Food:  Grass and low growing vegetation, as well as leaves on trees.  Tress where the deer live have a perfectly flat bottom to their branches, about two metres from the ground, which is the maximum height the deer can reach while standing up on their hind legs

Special features:  Although there are six species of deer living in the U.K., only the red deer and the roe deer are considered "native".  The red deer is our largest native land animal.  Mature stags have branching antlers which are shed each year at the end of winter, and they grow back larger the following year.  The fur is brown in the summer and more grey in winter.  The males grow a 'mane' of slightly thicker fur around the neck each autumn.

Male red deer can be dangerous during the rutting season which lasts from September to November.  Avoid getting too close to them at this time, and definitely don't get between them and the female deer.  If you are walking your dog near them keep it under close control or on a lead.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Deer Section
• UK Safari Mammal Section
• What's Out Now?