The deer of the Senne
In autumn, between September and November, a deep roar can be heard through the Senne. It is the rutting season. Weighing up to 250 kg, the red deer is the largest wild animal in the Senne, although it is only found locally in larger populations. Its somewhat smaller relative, the fallow deer, is more common. It originally comes from the eastern Mediterranean and was brought to Central Europe by the Romans centuries ago.
Outwardly, the fallow deer differs from the red deer by its white, dotted, grey-brown fur. But there are also almost black and white fur patterns. The antlers of the males form large scoops. In the case of the red deer, on the other hand, they are more like poles. The fallow deer prefers semi-open, park-like landscapes. In the Senne they are found in large populations. At times you can see them in large herds with up to 80 animals. In addition to red deer and fallow deer, the roe deer is another very common species of deer in the Senne.
