When: Year round
Where: Sweden, Västerås
What: Deer
If you've spent time in and around Västerås, you've probably noticed just how many deer live here. They are everywhere—crossing roads at dusk, grazing near urban areas, and even wandering through parking lots. Good places to spot them are Björnö and Ängsö, where your chances of seeing deer at sunset are nearly guaranteed. We've also seen them near gas stations, in roadside vegetation, and we see them almost daily since moving 'på landet.' The sheer number of deer in Sweden makes them an unavoidable yet fascinating part of everyday life here.
THE DEER YOU CAN SEE IN VÄSTERÅS
Among the different species living in the area, the most common is the roe deer. This small and delicate animal has a reddish-brown coat in summer that turns greyish-brown in winter. Their white rumps make them easy to spot as they dash into the forest. Slightly larger is the fallow deer, often found in parks and open woodlands. Some have dark coats, but many keep their distinctive white spots into adulthood. The largest of them all is the red deer, resembling an elk but smaller. These impressive animals have a reddish-brown coat and large, branching antlers that give them a regal presence. Fallow deer are unique in that they often keep their white spots, making them easy to recognize. In contrast, roe deer fawns are born with spots that fade as they grow. These markings serve as natural camouflage, helping young deer stay hidden from predators.
ANTLERS AND SHEDDING
Only male roe, fallow, and red deer grow antlers, which they shed and regrow each year. Shedding happens in late winter or early spring, once the mating season is over, allowing them to conserve energy during the colder months. Almost immediately, new antlers begin to form, covered in a soft, velvety layer filled with blood vessels. By late summer, the velvet dries up, and the deer rubs it off against trees, revealing the hard, bony antlers they will use in autumn battles for dominance.
THE CHANGING SEASONS AND DEER BEHAVIOR
Throughout the year, deer behavior shifts with the seasons. In spring and summer, they are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on fresh leaves, grass, and berries. This is also when fawns are born, remaining hidden in tall grass until they are strong enough to follow their mothers. As autumn approaches, the rutting season begins, and males become aggressive, locking antlers in dramatic battles for mates. By winter, when food is scarce, deer rely on stored fat and feed on bark, twigs, and lichens, conserving energy by moving less.
HOW LONG DO DEER LIVE?
The lifespan of a deer depends on the species and environmental factors such as predation and food availability. In the wild, roe deer typically live around 10 to 12 years, while fallow deer can reach up to 16 years. Red deer have the longest lifespan, sometimes living more than 20 years if they avoid predators and harsh winters. However, many deer do not reach their full lifespan due to hunting and natural threats such as wolves, lynxes, and harsh weather conditions.
DEER NUMBERS: POPULATIONS, SPEED AND AGILITY
Sweden has thriving deer populations, though their numbers fluctuate due to hunting, predation, and environmental conditions. Roe deer are the most numerous, with over 300,000 individuals, while fallow deer number around 30,000. Red deer are rarer, with an estimated population of 20,000.
Despite their often-graceful appearance, deer are incredibly fast and agile. Roe deer can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, while fallow deer are slightly slower at around 50 km/h. The red deer, despite its size, can run as fast as 70 km/h, allowing it to escape predators with ease.
In addition to their speed, deer are excellent jumpers. A roe deer can leap over fences up to 1.5 meters high, while red deer can clear obstacles of around 2 meters. This ability often frustrates gardeners, as deer have no problem jumping into yards to snack on flowers and vegetables. Tulips, in particular, are a favorite treat, much to the dismay of many homeowners in Sweden.
HOW DEER COMMUNICATE
Though generally quiet, deer do make sounds to communicate. When alarmed, roe deer emit a sharp barking noise to warn others of danger. During the rutting season, males produce deep grunts and roars to assert dominance and attract mates. Fawns use high-pitched bleats to call for their mothers when they feel threatened or hungry.
Whether you catch a glimpse of a roe deer at dawn, spot a fallow deer grazing near the road, or hear the distant call of a red deer stag in autumn, these animals add a touch of wilderness to everyday life. Just be mindful when driving at dusk—these majestic creatures have a habit of crossing the road when you least expect it!
HELPFUL LINKS:
My favourite book about tracking wildlife:
Go spotting wildlife with a professional:
My blog post about animal tracks in snow:
My blog post about tracking wildlife:
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