rådyr

Rådyr, scientifically known as Capreolus capreolus, is a medium-sized deer species native to Europe and parts of Asia. They are one of the most common deer species in their range. Rådyr are relatively small compared to other deer, with a slender build and a reddish-brown coat in the summer that turns grayer in the winter. Males, called bucks, possess short, palmate antlers that are shed annually. Females, known as does, do not have antlers.

These animals are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, shoots, grass, and berries. They are most active during dawn and dusk, spending much of the day resting in sheltered areas. Rådyr are typically solitary or live in small family groups, especially during the winter. Their habitat preferences include forests, woodlands, and agricultural landscapes with sufficient cover.

The breeding season, or rut, occurs in late summer. After mating, the does give birth to one to three fawns in the spring. Fawns are born spotted, providing camouflage in their environment. Rådyr are known for their agility and speed, using these to escape predators like foxes and wolves. They are an integral part of European ecosystems and are also a species managed for hunting in many regions.