David Element's Wildlife Web Page Mammals 23

David Element

Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Mammals 23 - Roe Deer

ROE DEER Capreolus capreolus

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus are comparatively common throughout the UK wherever suitable woodland habitat occurs. These pretty animals are predominantly crepuscular in behaviour so although sightings are possible at any time of the day early morning and late evening are the most productive (and probably the least disturbed) times to go looking for them. In some areas they will visit gardens where they may be destructive to cultivated plants. They are comparatively small animals, sometimes described as being similar in size to a large dog. Sometimes their natural curiosity will get the better of them and (as shown in the lower photograph which was taken in typical woodland habitat) they may stand and watch the observer if he or she stays still. The first photograph was taken in Tuscany, Italy during the early morning using a telephoto lens.