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The Living Forest (385) : Red Deer

The Living Forest (385) : Red Deer

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Mark Billiau.


Premium (World), region Antwerp, Belgium

The Living Forest (385) : Red Deer

It’s early autumn.
In the forest the yearly mating ritual of the red deer, called the rut, has begun again.

I spotted ‘the King of the forest’ just before sunset while he quenches his thirst at a small pool of water. Him awaits a heavy night of roaring (can be heard for miles around) and antler fights with other stags with the aim of establishing dominance and mating.

Dutch name : Edelhert
German name : Rothirsch
Latin name : Cervus elaphus

Location : Hertogenwald at Eupen (Belgium)

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Something else :

Meanwhile, also the hunting season opened again and I saw plenty of hunters wandering around in the woods at present.
They have only 1 aim : killing animals. Not because they are hungry or because their children are starving, no they just kill for fun !
Let's hope that this beautiful and defenseless animal that I spotted will not be murdered by one of those 'nature-loving' hunters.

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