Species Focus - Deer in North East Wales

The vast majority of deer in the area are non-native Fallow deer, usually found in and around estates such as Cefn (Meiriadog), Kinmel, Rhug and Chirk Castle, but also in Clocaenog, St Asaph and Abergele Hospital areas. The largest of the deer to be found in the area, they are fairly easy to identify, with a characteristic black and white tail/rump. Fallow bucks' antlers are 'palmate', unlike red deer stags which have 'spiky' antlers. Does (females) have no antlers. The animals are typically mid brown with white spots, but dark and even white individuals occur.

There are increasing reports of Roe deer and it's likely there are far more than are seen as they're very shy. Roe deer bucks have short antlers with a double or triple spike and both sexes have a white rump with no visible tail, although the does have a white tuft below the rump in the winter. They have a black nose, with white around the mouth and males bark like a dog!

The non-native Muntjac has been recorded around the Wrexham area, as well as Graigfechan and Clocaenog Forest, so is no doubt also spreading through the area. Around 0.5m tall with a ‘hunched’ appearance, as their rumps are higher than their shoulders, they have a wide, flat tail, which is raised erect to display a white underside when disturbed. Bucks have small antlers on top of long fur-covered bases (pedicles). These are usually slightly incurved with no branching, but sometimes have short brow tines. The face of the male is striped with pronounced downward black lines, light coloured cheeks and very large facial glands below the eyes. The ears are oval-shaped. Does have no antlers and a dark crown patch on their heads.

Red deer are thought to be absent, although there are a couple of records around Kinmel Estate and St Asaph. They are a very large deer and difficult to confuse with other species. Sika deer and Chinese water deer also appear to be absent. For distribution maps of all the species in the article please visit the Aderyn website.

The increasing use of trail cameras will hopefully bring in more records of deer for the area. Please submit your records to the Cofnod ORS or the LERC Wales App.