Muntjac - strange noises

alisonclair · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 02:50 PM

Met this little fella this afternoon. Are they known to make strange clicking noises??

Alison

Pippa · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 02:58 PM

Haven't a clue but i am so jealous.We don't get to see anything like that on our walks.

alisonclair · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 02:59 PM

I've become a Bill Oddie - lurking in undergrowth!!

The Woodman · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:09 PM

I don't know about the noise but he looks in splendid condition. Is that bark stripping on the saplings on right of the image his work?

alisonclair · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:20 PM

Hi

I'm not sure to be honest, but he was certainly feasting when I found him. He is lovely, they make a hell of a noise in the summer though. Couldn't imagine something so beautiful to make such a horrible sound!!

Alison

mbaldw · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:42 PM

Hi Alison,

nice shot - he looks in good condition. Muntjac are generally known as the barking deer, because they make an unmistakable bark when alarmed or confronted with novel/suspicious objects. However, most species of deer will produce 'clicking' and stamping noises with their feet when alarmed. In the case of Muntjac, the clicking noise is made when they grind their teeth.

Cheers,
Marc.

alisonclair · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 05:03 PM

Hi Marc

Thanks for that. I hear them barking all the time, but have never heard the clicking noise.

Alison

P.S have just sent some photos to your website e-mail address.

Dogghound · #8 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 07:58 AM

Yes they bark to communicate this is often observed in the rut. The clicking as mbaldw says is as it is alarmed by your presence. They also scream and squeek when frightened.