Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Deer Facts
- Depending on the species, male deer are called stags, harts, bucks or bulls.
- Deer are selective feeders, with small unspecialised stomachs that need highly specific nutritional requirements.
- In order to grow a new pair of antlers, a deer must consume a sufficient quantity of specific minerals.
- Unlike many mammals, deers do not digest vast quantities of low-grade, fibrous food. Instead they select easily digestible shoots, fresh grasses, soft twigs, young leaves, fungi and lichens.
- Every year, the RSPCA is called out to deal with approximately 1500 road accidents involving deer.
- Deers have hollow strands of hair that help to keep it insulated from extremes of temperature and prevent it from drowning in deep water.