Location: North America and Europe
Habitat: Forests, Woodlands and Grassy areas
Diet: Herbivores
Characteristic: They are agile runners and can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour
Conservation: Last Concern
Fallow deer are originally from Europe, but they have been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia. These deer prefer to live in woodlands, forests, and grassy areas. They feel most comfortable in places with lots of trees and bushes where they can find both food and shelter. Fallow deer are medium-sized animals. They usually stand around 3 to 4 feet tall at the shoulder and can be about 4 to 6.5 feet long from their head to the tip of their tail. They have distinctive coats. In the summer, their fur is reddish-brown with white spots, while in the winter, it becomes more grayish. They also have a white rump patch outlined by a black border.
Fallow deer are herbivores, which means they eat plants. Their diet includes grass, leaves, fruits, and even tree bark. They have sharp senses, including good eyesight and hearing, which help them spot danger from afar. They are also agile runners and can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour to escape predators.
Female fallow deer, called does, give birth to one or two fawns in late spring or early summer. The fawns have white spots that help them blend in with their surroundings, providing some camouflage. Fallow deer are social animals that often live in groups called herds. During the breeding season, males, called bucks, will sometimes compete for the attention of the does by engaging in fights with their antlers.
Fallow deer are not considered endangered. They have adapted well to various habitats and have even been introduced to new places. However, in some places, conservation efforts are important to ensure their populations stay healthy.