Iberian Red Deer

The Iberian Red Deer is the largest deer specie. In winter its coat is rough and thick of a grey-brown colour and a dark yellowish rump patch. In summer the coat is reddish-brown. Only stags have a thick neck and carry antlers. They start to grow in spring and are shed at the end of winter. Antlers grow huge with a rough surface and in case of the largest stags, the fourth or fifth tip form at the end a basket.

Red deer usually stay in the same sex group for all the year. During the rut, mature stags fight for the control of the harems.

The red deer is adapted to a woodland environment. Mainly a grazer, but browses to an extent. Feeds largely at night, resting by day in thick cover. Vision and hearing are excellent. It is a good runner.