Roe Deer Identification and key facts

Apart from during the mid-summer rut, Roe Deer are often quite solitary creatures, although single Roe Deer does and youngsters of the previous year are often seen together. Roe Deer bucks and does are typically seen together only during the rut, but groups of Roe Deer may feed in close proximity at other times of the year, attracted by the availability of foodstuffs rather than the prospect of each others company.

Roe Deer summer coat is bright reddish brown; winter coat, dark grey/brown above, paler below. Adult Roe Deer do not have spots. New born Roe Deer fawns have some spots. Black nose fringed with two white spots, and white on the lower jaw.

Roe Deer have a pale, powder-puff caudal rump patch, fluffed out when alarmed. No tail, although winter females have a short tuft of white hair that often looks like a tail. 

Roe Deer antlers are quite short, fairly straight, usually 3 points on each.

Roe Deer use a year-round cough-like bark; low grunts during the rut.