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Mammal

Red Deer

Cervus elaphus

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1Keep your distance — an adult deer is dangerous, especially males in autumn
  2. 2Call the CRAS or Forest Carabinieri immediately (1515)
  3. 3If a lone fawn: observe from afar for at least 2-3 hours before intervening — the mother returns
  4. 4In case of road accident: set out warning triangles, call 112 and 1515
  5. 5Do not approach if the animal is still standing and agitated

✗NEVER do this

  • ✗Do not approach an injured adult deer without proper equipment — antlers and hooves are dangerous
  • ✗Do not pick up a lone fawn that seems abandoned — it is normal for the mother to leave it
  • ✗Do not try to feed it grass or fruit
  • ✗Do not attempt to carry an animal of this size alone

⚠ Important note

The red deer is the largest Italian cervid (up to 200 kg). Road accidents are the main cause of injured deer — always report to 1515 and the Forest Carabinieri who have the right equipment. Lone fawns in May-June seem abandoned but the mother is almost always nearby: wait before intervening.

⚖ Legal protection

The red deer is a huntable species in some regions with wildlife management plans, but the possession of injured animals is regulated by regional laws.

Also known as

red deerEuropean red deerstaghindfawn

Did you find a red deer right now?

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