Fallow Deers Mating Period In Europe

(FILE VIDEO) European fallow deers mating season lasts from October to early November. During this period, solitary males join groups of females and cubs. They drive away young males, who form same-sex groups of 5-6 individuals, lingering on the fringes of the males' territories, hoping to mate with a female unbeknownst to the dominant male. The males establish their own territory and defend their right to mate with females from other contenders. They often even stop feeding to better control their harem, frequently proclaiming their possession with resonating calls (called rutting or belling). Battles primarily involve clashing antlers until one of the contenders gives in, following a specific ritual. This, along with the flattened shape of adult antlers, ensures that the animals rarely sustain serious injuries after the confrontation. Video shows fallow deers during mating season in Sabaudia, Italy, in October 2020.