Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) 

This is our largest land-mammal, their summer coat is reddish brown hence their common name. The male (stag) have large, highly branched antlers which can be clearly seen in the photos on the right. The number of branches increases with age, and our native animals can have up to 16 points. 

The adult sizes are:-       Stags 107-137cm at shoulder. Females (hinds) 107-122cm at shoulder. 

Red deer can be seen on open hillsides in Scotland but are generally smaller than those living in lowland English woodland and parks.

Red Deer can live up to 18 years, but this is more likely in Park animals than in their wilder Scottish relatives.

Deer living in woodlands are largely solitary or they can occur as mother and calf groups but on open ground larger, single sex groups assemble. Mixed sex groups can only be seen in woodlands during the rut however in the Highlands of Scotland large groups may persist for most of the year.

The breeding season, or rut, occurs from the end of September to November. Stags return to hind's home ranges and compete for access to hinds by engaging in elaborate displays of dominance including roaring (photo No. 3) parallel walks and fighting. Serious injury and death can result but generally fighting only occurs between stags of a similar size. The dominant stag then ensures exclusive mating with the hinds (photo No. 6).

These images were all taken at Studley Royal Deer Park, North Yorkshire. This is a joint National Trust and English Heritage site and well worth a visit both for the Deer Park and also the famous ruins of Fountains Abbey. The Deer Park dates from medieval times and once surrounded Studley Royal House which burnt down just after the Second World War. The park is home to 500 wild deer including Red, Fallow and Silka Deer.

1- Red Deer stag, this animal had a large group of hinds which he constantly patrolled checking which were 'receptive' for breeding , he would also patrol for any intruding stags which were trying to near his hinds.

2- This Stag was sitting out the breeding season, or at least during my visit. He did not have any hinds to look after but stayed close to one of the largest groups waiting his chance. 

3- Another of the dominant Stags, who was patrolled his group of hinds roaring his dominance for all to hear.

4- An immature Red Deer Stag, too young for this years rut, but his time will come.

5- A Red deer hind, part of a large group looked after by the stag in photo No. 1.

6- The moment the Stags have fought and roared for, only the strongest stags can pass on their genes to future generations.