Wildlife

Wild Red Deer Calving Welfare

Red deer calving in upland Scotland involves welfare considerations for hinds and calves during the vulnerable birth period in late May and June.

Key Facts

Red deer calves are born from late May through June, coinciding with long daylight hours
Calves are hidden in vegetation for the first weeks before joining the herd
Human disturbance including dog walking can cause hinds to abandon calves
Golden eagles and foxes are natural predators of calves in their first weeks
Body condition of hinds in spring determines calving success and milk production

Welfare Considerations

Deer calves hidden by their mothers and found by walkers or their dogs are almost never truly abandoned. The natural behaviour of hiding calves makes them appear alone, but mothers are typically nearby watching. Disturbance causes hinds to flee, leaving calves exposed to predation and cold. Dog control in deer calving areas during May-June directly protects individual calf welfare by preventing separation from mothers.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads in upland areas during May and June deer calving season
Never approach apparently alone deer calves - the mother is almost certainly nearby
Avoid high-traffic routes in calving areas during May and June