The Roe Deer is shy and secretive, spending its days at Wellington hidden up in the woods, where it browses on young trees, new leaves and grasses. At night it emerges onto the sports fields and golf course to eat in comparative safety. Occasionally, in a hard winter, it gets desperate and bold enough to come close to the College buildings and eat the ornamental plantings, much to the frustration of the Gardens and Countryside Department.
The males (bucks) will grow antlers each spring and rub them against trees to get rid of the furry coating. They fight each other in August and September, when the rut is on, to get the best females. The females (does) will often give birth to twins (kids) when there is a good availability of food for her to be able to rear two young.
A brown deer with a creamy white bottom and no discernible tail, often the first sign of them will be the creamy warning patch flashing at you as they run for cover, warning all around them of your presence.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.