The mysterious deer is a fascinating creature that roams wetlands and forested areas, boasting distinct features and behaviors that set it apart from other deer species.

In this article, we’ll dive into the life of this extraordinary animal, exploring everything from its physical characteristics to its unique social structure. Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable species.

1. Physical Characteristics

The adult mysterious deer typically measures about 2 meters in length and stands 1.2 meters tall at the shoulder, weighing around 200 kilograms. Males tend to be larger than females. One of the most notable features of these deer is their gender dimorphism: males have antlers, while females do not.

The deer’s skeletal structure consists of approximately 210 bones, divided into the axial skeleton (skull, spine, and ribs) and the limb skeleton. It’s important to note that antlers are not part of the skeletal system.

Their hooves are particularly large, measuring about 15 cm in diameter, and are designed for walking through wetlands. The hooves press down on water plants to increase buoyancy, allowing the deer to navigate the terrain more easily.

2. Diet

As herbivores, mysterious deer primarily feed on grasses, leaves, and young branches from a variety of plants, including sedges, legumes, and grasses. Common foods include alfalfa, reeds, and willow leaves, along with over 100 other plant species.

Their digestive system is highly specialized, with a stomach divided into four chambers. These deer have a long digestive tract, with the small intestine stretching up to 40 meters. Food is digested through mechanical, chemical, and biological processes, with microorganisms playing a key role in breaking down the food.

3. Fur Shedding

Mysterious deer shed their winter coat for a summer coat each year between March and May. Their winter fur is thick, fine, and grayish-white, providing warmth. In contrast, their summer fur is sparse, short, and reddish-brown.

Autumn marks the return of the winter coat, usually starting in mid-August. Adults shed their fur earlier than younger or older individuals. Fawns begin shedding their summer fur at around 3 to 4 months of age.

The fur of mysterious deer is distinctive, with 5 to 7 whorls around the neck, shoulders, and waist. This unique pattern is most visible during the summer and helps distinguish these deer from others.

4. Antler Shedding and Growth

Mysterious deer shed their antlers once a year, typically in December or January. Male deer grow new antlers each year, with the antlers becoming larger and more elaborate as they age. The antlers are solid and made of dense material, and during the transition from velvet to bone, the males experience a cycle of bone demineralization.

By May, the deer rub off the velvet on their antlers, revealing their majestic bone antlers.

5. Birth and Rearing

The mysterious deer has an average gestation period of 280 days, typically giving birth to a single fawn. The birthing process usually occurs between March and May, in secluded, sunny spots. Newborn fawns have orange fur with white spots, which provide camouflage, and the spots fade after about six weeks.

Fawns are nursed for about three months, with each feeding lasting a few minutes, several times a day. After about a week, fawns begin to join their mothers and form a group known as the "deer kindergarten."

6. Mating Behavior

The mating season for mysterious deer usually takes place from June to August. Male deer, especially dominant ones, gather large harems of females. These "deer kings" defend their territory by marking it with scent and battling other males for dominance.

During the mating season, males often display their antlers by scratching the ground and decorating them with plants to attract females. The strength of the male is crucial in winning the affection of females.

7. Communication Methods

Mysterious deer use visual, auditory, tactile, and chemical signals to communicate. They use visual cues for warnings, like turning their head to alert others to danger. Chemical communication involves pheromones, with males using scent and reproductive fluid to attract females, while females release pheromones to signal readiness for mating.

Touch communication occurs through gentle contact, such as grooming or neck rubbing, while auditory communication includes calls and roars used to convey information.

The mysterious deer is a creature filled with wonder, from its unique antlers to its intricate social behaviors. If you’re intrigued by these fascinating creatures, keep exploring the mysteries of nature and their incredible world!