Secret visits of roe deer does
Photo sent by Vahur Poopuu
Translation Liis
Roe deer Metskits Capreolus capreolus
Roe deer give birth from late May onwards. About three quarters bear twins. The fur of the fawns is brownish-black, with white patches in lengthwise stripes on the back and sides. Already at one week of age the fawns can follow the mother quite well; until then they lie in some secluded spot where the doe comes only briefly to suckle them. It is the most dangerous time for the newborn, there are many predators in our forests who can overpower a deer fawn weighing only a few kilos.
The fawns are weaned off from suckling already at 6-10 weeks because the matings of the adult deer start.
As May ends the bucks also end their marking of territories: furrows are drawn up on tree bark with the antlers, and the message to fellow deer about the ruler of the territory is spiced from the scent glands on the forehead and neck.
Roe deer in meadow
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