Roe Deer

Capreolus capreolus

Common & widespread throughout Britain.

When the male's antlers begin to regrow, they are covered in a thin layer of velvet-like fur which they shed later on after the hair's blood supply is lost.

Males may speed up the process by rubbing their antlers on trees, so that their antlers are hard and stiff for the duels during the mating season.

Unlike most cervids, Roe Deer begin regrowing antlers almost immediately after they are shed.

In rare cases, some Bucks possess only a single antler branch, the result of a genetic defect.

Males may also bark or make a low grunting noise.

The Females make a high-pitched "pheep" whine to attract males during the rut (breeding season) in July and August.