Red deer rivalry during mating season

Strange sounds echo through the forests and valleys of central Europe. It’s the sound of autumn and red deer stags starting their rut. This annual spectacle will dominate the forests for the next few weeks. The females are now in season and the mature stags challenge each other for supremacy. The two rivals size each other up. Posturing is often enough to determine who is the stronger. But not in this case.

When two males are evenly matched in size and determination, there is little option but to fight. Whilst the two heavyweights are battling it out, a younger contender sees his opportunity. The young stag knows he may go unnoticed for a few minutes whilst his adversaries are distracted. It may be his only chance to mate. He pursues the hinds, tasting the air to detect which are receptive. The two opponents are so well-matched, that the combat continues for over half an hour. Plenty of time for the third to woo the ladies.