European Roe Deer, Capreolus capreolus, the smallest and most elegant native deer in Europe. Coloration is rich reddish-brown in summer, with a gray face, white chin and black muzzle band. Rump patch is obscure. Winter coat is grayish-brown, with two white throat patches and a prominent white rump patch of erectile hairs that can
expand under stress to form a large white disk. Tail is small and white, invisible against the rump.
Usually solitary, but tends to form small groups in winter. During the rut in July and August, a buck will be with a single doe (unlike other deer species, which escort several) and will fight intruding males fiercely. The roe deer is the only deer species with delayed implantation, the fetal development not starting until December or January.
Fawns (usually two, range is 1-3) are born in the spring. Normal lifespan in the wild is 10-12 years, with maximum about 17 years. Roe deer are delicate in captivity, surviving only an average of 3-1/2 years. Active mainly at night, spending the day in cover. Senses are well developed. Excellent swimmer. Shy but curious. Doglike bark when alarmed. The female makes a whistling noise during mating season and to call her fawns.
Distribution: Central North Region of Spain
Medals
Gold: 51″ SCI points
Silver: 45 4/8″ SCI points
Bronze: 36″ SCI points