The European roe deer, known scientifically as Capreolus capreolus, is a widespread and distinctive deer species across Europe. This graceful animal, often referred to simply as “roe,” is a common sight in various landscapes, from expansive forests to agricultural fields. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse environments, making it a notable part of European wildlife.
Physical Traits
The European roe deer is a relatively small deer, typically measuring 95 to 135 centimeters in body length and standing approximately 63 to 67 centimeters tall at the shoulder. Adults usually weigh between 10 and 35 kilograms, with males (bucks) generally heavier than females (does).
Their coat undergoes noticeable seasonal changes. In warmer months, their fur is a thin, sleek, reddish-brown or sandy color. As winter approaches, their pelage transforms into a much thicker, duller gray-brown to dark brown, offering better camouflage and insulation.
Both sexes feature a prominent white rump patch, particularly distinct in their winter coat. This patch’s hairs can become erectile when the deer feels alarmed, making it appear fluffier.
Males possess short, upright antlers, typically no more than 30 centimeters long. These antlers commonly have three points, or tines, on each side and are shed and regrown annually. The base of the antlers can be roughened or “pearled.” Females do not grow antlers.
Both bucks and does have a very short tail, about 2 to 3 centimeters in length, often not visible through their dense fur. Their delicate build includes slender legs, small hooves, and oval-shaped ears.
Natural Habitat
European roe deer are widely distributed across Europe, excluding northernmost Scandinavia, Iceland, Ireland, and most Mediterranean islands. They are highly adaptable, preferring “edge” habitats where woodlands meet open areas, including mixed, coniferous, or deciduous forests with dense undergrowth.
They are also commonly found in agricultural landscapes, such as farmlands with adequate cover, open fields, and areas with hedgerows and copses. Their ability to thrive in human-altered landscapes, including fringe urban areas, highlights their flexibility.
Diet and Foraging
European roe deer are selective browsers, carefully choosing specific plant parts. Their diet consists of leaves, young shoots, buds, and fruits from shrubs and woody plants, along with various herbs, forbs, and fungi.
While primarily browsers, they will graze on grasses, particularly young, tender grass with high moisture content. Their small stomach capacity (3.5 to 5 liters) necessitates frequent feeding, with individuals typically engaging in 5 to 11 browsing periods per day.
This allows for a faster passage rate of food compared to typical grazers. Diet varies seasonally and regionally, adapting to the availability of different plant species. In winter, their diet may include arboreal lichens and twigs, which they might dig for under the snow.
Social Behavior and Reproduction
European roe deer are generally solitary, though a doe may be seen with her fawns in summer. In winter, they may form larger aggregations, sometimes called “bevvies,” especially in areas with concentrated food resources. These groups are typically not true herds but rather individuals sharing a feeding area.
Males (bucks) exhibit territorial behavior from early spring through the autumn breeding season. They actively defend their territories against other males, with aggressive interactions sometimes involving locking antlers. Does also demonstrate territoriality, especially around fawn birth.
Roe deer communicate through a distinctive barking sound often emitted when alarmed. They are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk, although they can be active at any time if undisturbed.
The reproductive cycle of the European roe deer features delayed implantation. Mating occurs in late July and early August. After fertilization, the embryo’s development virtually stops for approximately five months.
This embryonic diapause allows the doe to regain physical condition after the energy-demanding rutting period without supporting a rapidly growing embryo. Embryonic development resumes around December, with the embryo implanting into the uterine wall. The total gestation period is prolonged due to this delay, lasting up to 10 months.
Fawns are typically born in late May and early June, coinciding with abundant food availability and mild weather, which improves their chances of survival. Most European roe deer does give birth to twins, though triplets can also occur. Fawns are born with dappled coats, providing camouflage, and remain hidden and still for their first six weeks, often some distance from their mother, until they are strong enough to follow her.