Deer
The deer family (Cervidae) contains 44 living species, including the moose, muntjac and caribou. The males of all species of deer except the Chinese water deer have antlers. In caribou, both sexes have antlers.
Fallow deer are a widespread species of deer in Britain. Originally from the Mediterranean and middle east, these deer were spread across Europe by the Romans and introduced to British parks and forests by the Normans in the 11th century. They spend most of the year in single sex herds, only coming together in autumn for the annual rut, where the males groan, parallel walk and lock antlers. Luckily, injuries are rare although the males sport impressive multi-point antlers. Fallow deer are smaller than red deer and have a spotted coat, but in some individuals the spots are not very prominent and may disappear in winter.
