Roe Deer kids.

[seadogg]

On my coastal run this morning saw a Roe Deer with 2 kids.
She called them over when she realised there was no threat
and they attempted to suckle but she wasn't having any. As both kids were well grown I wondered if she considered them fully weaned.
Was the suckling behaviour seeking comfort from mum, though she was clearly not upset and I was well downwind?
Be interested in other members observations.

[johnny.5]

this suckling is done in all mammals
as we all like to get something for nothing especially a free meal the deer fawns were just trying there chances

[seadogg]

I like the idea that they were chancing a freebie even though they were weaned. The place I was passing seems to be a nursery area but usually the sucklers are much younger and not rejected by mum. There was a stag in the undergrowth who was tailing her also.

Thanks, SD

[woofgang]

you see this in the New Forest too, quite well grown pony yearlings will still try and get a drink off Mum

[seadogg]

Thanks Woofgang. Learned to ride there so thanks for the memory.