Another Deer? Oh dear .....

[infinitymum]

Hi all, newbie here! Just wanted to pose a question about deer behaviour if I may.

On Tuesday morning, my hubby noticed a young buck sitting on the ground around the corner from our cottage and on closer inspection saw it had a broken leg. We rang the 'lord of the manor', who sent one of his shooters down and the deed was handled very quickly and humanely within a matter of an hour

Today however, my hubby noticed whilst walking our bitch, another young deer was sitting in the exact spot the other deer had been. He walked towards it very slowly just in case it was the same deer and was still injured, however this one got up and bounded over the nearest enclosure fence.

Any ideas on the strange behaviour?!

[Dogghound]

By strange behaviour do you mean it was in the same area? Most Roe deer (im guessing these are roe deer) births are twins, at this time of year males usually disperse to form there own territory. In the early stages they often stay with a sibling. So in answer to your question the pair likely used this area regularly together and that is why there was another young male there.

[infinitymum]

It was actually sitting on the same patch of ground that the other deer had been sitting on ..... we just found rather strange ..... it looked like it was mourning for the other deer!

[conisag]

Originally Posted by infinitymum

It was actually sitting on the same patch of ground that the other deer had been sitting on ..... we just found rather strange ..... it looked like it was mourning for the other deer!

Your putting human qualities on a deer. I dont doubt the deer would be sad that his lost him sibling/friend but the chances are far more likely its unaware his friends dead and is either awaiting his return or its just a coincidence.

[infinitymum]

Coinsidence we think, just rather bizarre that the other deer was sitting in exactly the same spot as the shot deer when he had the whole field to hide in!!

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by infinitymum

Coinsidence we think, just rather bizarre that the other deer was sitting in exactly the same spot as the shot deer when he had the whole field to hide in!!

As I said before it is due to the fact they will have used this site in the past. The scent will still be there it will be a part of the territory that they use. Deer often hide/use the same sites to rest within there territory, they will have several of these in the area. Perhaps other parts of the field have less cover, have more disturbance, have less food, are less sheltered. Since they will have used these sites as a pair or even a three when the mother was there they will still use them now as one has been killed there will only be one using these sites now.

[muldonach]

Originally Posted by infinitymum

Coinsidence we think, just rather bizarre that the other deer was sitting in exactly the same spot as the shot deer when he had the whole field to hide in!!

nothing at all strange about it - there is a good possibility that is the optimum spot from a deer's perspective - out of the wind and with a good view downwind (obviously speculative) from the second deer's point of view he has simply taken the most comfortable armchair in the room

regards
mac