Roe Deer

Phil&Belinda · #1 (**permalink**) 18-07-2009, 09:39 PM

I am wondering what kind of deer these are, seen from the Seaton Tramway in Devon, easter 2009. Are they roe deer?

I have never seen wild deer before (I am assuming they are wild). so I was very excited to see them

Mike H · #2 (**permalink**) 18-07-2009, 11:33 PM

Yes those are Roe.

A tip with deer (especially as they are usually running away!) is look at the backside. Each has a different pattern / colour.

Roe have a white pattern that looks a little bit like two 1/2 circles and have what looks like a white tail so you just see white at the back.

We get quite a few round here and its usually the white that I see first else they can blend into the bracken a bit to well!

Phil&Belinda · #3 (**permalink**) 19-07-2009, 09:22 PM

Thanks Mike. It was certainly a pleasant surprise to see them :-)

Phil

salukiwhippet · #4 (**permalink**) 19-07-2009, 11:27 PM

Yep, Roe indeed. As Mike said, all UK deer can be identified from their 'caudal patch'. Roe are unique in that they can be sexed from it too. Neither sex has a visible tail as such, but the does do have a 'tush' a tuft of hair that looks like a tail. Bucks don't. Lovely animals, my favourite of our 6 deer species.

James