Cerb Alb

The deer (Cervus elaphus L., family Cervidae) is a herbivorous mammal of the ruminant, parameciparous (Artiodactyla) category. The Cervidae family includes some 49 species, including the red deer, reindeer and elk. Characteristic of the deer are the branched antlers that usually grow only on males and the reddish-brown colour, with marked sexual dimorphism.
Antlers
Male deer are larger than does (females) and, unlike does, have deciduous antlers. In order of size, bucks weigh between 180 - 300 kg and does between 80 - 150 kg. Males shed their antlers at the beginning of each March, a phenomenon which, depending on the age and vigour of the individual deer, extends into May. When the mares reach the age of 1 year in May, growth of the first set of antlers begins and ends in September. These antlers are usually 20 to 30 cm long, without rosettes.
Life span
Longevity is estimated at around 18-20 years, but in the wild deer rarely reach this age. At the age of 12-14 years deer reach maturity. The age of live animals is judged by their external appearance and trophy, and that of shot animals by tooth wear.
During the mating period the buck moos, whines or bleats. Frightened, it has a nasal snarl, as does the female. Deer have a good sense of smell and hearing, but poor eyesight. The deer can observe movement more than the human figure. It can approach humans up to about 15 meters without noticing them.
Habitat
Deer roost in areas of extensive woodland, including stretches of glades or clearings with springs, which provide them with peace and food sources. It is also found on the plains quite often, covering, at least in theory, the whole area between the alpine zone and the seashore.
Food
Food is scarce for the deer in winter, as it is for all deer. In winter, the deer's food consists of lily pads (stems or thin stems of herbaceous plants and young 1-2 year old branches of woody plants), buds and sometimes tree bark, green leaves left under the snow, various dried leaves and grasses, as well as green plants from cultivated agricultural land. Acorns and jir are the staple food. It accepts and responds well to complementary human feed: hay, foliage (dried leaves used as bedding or fodder for cattle), succulents (forage from tuber plants and root crops) and concentrates.
Natural enemies
The wolf is the deer's most feared natural enemy. Less damage is done by the lynx and the bear. More recently, feral hounds tend to replace the wolf, especially in predating calves.
Reproduction
Deers are sociable from autumn to spring, when bucks are grouped in herds led by a young buck, while does go in separate groups led by the oldest doe. Only very old or very strong deer live alone. Mating begins in September, first in the lowlands, then in the mountains, ending in the second half of October. There are fierce fights between the bucks for supremacy of the herds. It is worth noting that during this period the deer give off a specific scent that is easily perceived even by humans. The doe usually gives birth to 1-2 calves, very rarely 3, which can follow their mother 1-2 hours after birth.