Roe Deer
A few years ago there were no roe deer in the Prades mountains, then they were reintroduced back to the area and have been doing very well. They are flourishing and apparently breeding well, giving birth around June.
A few times we’ve been lucky enough to spot them whilst on a drive through the Prades. Even better we’ve spotted them on our own land about three times. Once we were driving by our land and in clear view two roe deer (a mother and its young) were running away from our car amongst a terrace of hazel trees. Another time one was spotted running through another hazel terrace after being discovered by one of the dogs. Also there are new shoots growing from the hazel stands we cut in winter and some of the top buds are missing; a sign that hints at the presence of deer.
The most spectacular though was the encounter we had with one on the boundary of our land near the other side of our valley. Here on the border, hiding behind a pallet, we saw a male and got the amazing picture we have above. Once it knew we were there it ran off, barking like a dog, with tail held high in the air. Just as much, or even more so, a resident of these forests than us.
