Red deer are the largest of the UK's resident deer species. Their impressive autumn rut is a top British wildlife spectacle, particularly familiar in Scotland where red deer are widespread and common. During the rut, mature stags invest much time and effort into competing with other males for access to females. Roaring contests and parallel walking allow males to size each other up without violence. However, conflict can soon escalate between evenly matched stags leading to serious injuries and even death.

More...