RUTTING BUCKS

Pained groans resound through open woodland in autumn: a fallow deer rut. Bucks usually rut separately, each bellowing from hard-fought display grounds, though sometimes they will muster, seeking to attract females collectively. The most widespread and common of Britain’s four naturalised deer, this species is easily recognised. The broad, flattened ‘palmate’ antlers of mature bucks are unique, and the white rear of both sexes is bisected by a long, largely black tail.

FIND OUT MORE National Mammal Week is 21–29 October, and watch out for fallow deer on BBC Two’s Autumnwatch on 23–26 October.