Fia
There are three deer species found in Ireland. The native red deer is Ireland ’s largest land mammal. The earliest record of red deer in Ireland is 26,000 years ago. Males are known as stags, females as hinds, and offspring as calves. Only the males have antlers, which are U-shaped when viewed head-on. During the summer months, the coat is a deep chestnut-red colour, whereas in winter the coat dulls to a brown.
Deer generally feed early in the morning and in late evening and then rest during the day. Deer usually live in woodlands, open hill areas and pastures.
Do you want to know more about the Red Deer ?
Here are some quick facts. (These figures are for the average Red Deer)
- Adult Stags: 220kg
- Height: 1.5m
- Adult Hinds: 140kg
- Height: 1.5m
- Newborn calf: 6-9kg
- Largest Irish land mammal
- Life span: Up to 15 years
- Very short tail
- Red-brown coat with cream underbelly
- Cream rump patch, extends onto back
- U-shaped, multi-pointed antlers
- Tracks: shaped like pair of slippers, 8cm long