Red Deer

Background

The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species, and is Britain’s largest native land mammal. Red deer are territorial creatures, however rather than using their antlers to fight, they use “roaring” and walking parallel to one another to size each other up.

Habitat

The red deer is found all throughout Europe and Western Asia in wooded areas. The best place to find them in the UK is in national parks, and the northernmost part of Scotland.

Diet

Red Deer are herbivorous, meaning that they eat plant matter, this includes grasses, leaves and berries.

Predators & Threats

This species of deer presently has no threats that are native to the UK, as wolves became extinct in Scotland approximately 200 years ago. Their young can be preyed upon by foxes or large birds, such as eagles. In some parts of their distribution, Red Deer are hunted by humans.

Best Time to Look

All year round.