Moray Moments: Daring-doe

Hazel Thomson, who took these photos, says: "I saw this beautiful Roe Deer just in the fields by Kellas. It took a good look at me then bounced away over the fence."

Roe, along with Reds, are the two native deer species of the UK, with fossil evidence of them dating as far as 10,000 BC.

The dainty creatures were hunted almost to extinction until their numbers began to recover following strategic re-introductions during the Victorian era.

Their coats vary in colour throughout the year, but they are easier to spot in summer when their coats are a bright rusty red, as opposed to the dull slate grey of winter.

In soft ground they leave small hoof prints (slots) of about 1.5inches in length.

The male bucks have small antlers, which have three points each when fully grown.

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