The roe deer, aka western roe deer, roe, European roe, or roe buck, is widespread throughout Europe, from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia, to Scotland and the Caucasus, on down east to northern Iraq and Iran. They like open agricultural areas with access to coniferous, deciduous, open, or mixed woodlands, for shelter. With an estimated 15,000,000 strong, these deer are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. And their population is increasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Capreolus capreolus
Weight: Up to 77 lbs.
Length: Up to 4.5 feet
Height: Up to 2.2 feet
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) This species of deer is crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).
2.) The males antlers can reach up to 10 inches with up to 4 points.
3.) Males are typically solitary but females live in small groups.
4.) When threatened or alarmed, they will let out a barking call that sounds much like a dog.
5.) These herbivores (eat plant matter) graze on grass, weeds, deciduous shrubs and trees, acorns, fungi, cereals, conifers, and various kinds of ferns.
But wait, there’s more on the roe deer!
6.) The rut, or breeding season, lasts from July – August.
7.) Their courtship involves the male chasing the female around for several hours, till she is receptive to mating.
Did you know…?
Roe deer can run up to 37 mph.
8.) Females have up to a 10 month gestation (pregnancy) that yields up to 3 fawns.
9.) The females undergo delayed implantation. In that they hold on to the sperm throughout the winter and birth their young in spring.
10.) Wolves, lynx, and humans are their only predators.
Now a Short Roe Deer Video!
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