Hiking in the Pyrenees: the bellowing of the stag and the roaring of the fallow deer

Take a unique trek that will take you to the heart of the forest in the middle of autumn, when nature is transformed into a stage of ancestral sounds and rituals. This experience will allow you to experience up close the rutting of the fallow deer and roaring of the fallow deer during their rutting season, a peak moment in the life cycle of these majestic cervids. Throughout this trek, you will not only hear the powerful bellows and snores echoing across the landscape, but you will also have the opportunity to learn about the biology and behaviour of these species in their natural environment.

The trek starts at dusk, when the deer and fallow deers become most active. We will walk along trails surrounded by deciduous forests, where the ground is covered by a carpet of leaves that crackle under our feet. As the sun sets, the guide will lead us to strategic spots, from where we will be able to hear and, with a bit of luck, observe the deer and fallow deers in full activity.

During this rutting season, the males compete for mating rights, using their powerful bellows and snores to mark territory and attract females. Through the deep, resonant sounds they emit, they communicate with other males, establishing their dominance in a specific territory. The guide will explain how these bellows are a sign of the strength and health of the males, key factors in the selection of females.

In addition to the sound aspect, this trek will allow us to learn about the environment in which these deer live. We will discover how the forest provides them with food, shelter and camouflage throughout the year. The guide will tell us about the diet of the deer and fallow deers, composed mainly of leaves, bark and shoots, and how it changes with the seasons. We will also explore the habitats favoured by these species during the rutting season and how they adapt their behaviour to maximise mating opportunities.

As we approach the rutting areas, we will also learn about the physical adaptations of these animals, such as the large antlers of the male deer, which are not only weapons of competition, but also symbols of their strength and virility. We will observe how the females select the males according to these characteristics, thus ensuring the best genetics for their offspring.

This trek is not only an opportunity to listen and observe the deer and fallow deers, but also to better understand their biology and the role they play in the forest ecosystem. By the end of the hike, you will have experienced the magic of autumn in the Pyrenees, feeling more connected to nature and with a deeper understanding of the rutting rituals of these magnificent species.

This enriching and educational experience will allow you to experience one of nature’s most spectacular moments, immersing yourself in the sounds and sounds of the autumn.