Two main types of deer can be found in forests and parks in the Tuscany region. The elegant and agile Roe Deer (Capriolo in Italian) weighs an average 35kg, has a short tail (only 2-3cm long) and a short reddish-brown furry coat that changes to a thicker grey coat over winter. The male Roe Deer also has straight and short antlers that are shed around November time and grow again to their fullest in May. These animals tend to veil their presence in thick forests and are also fast runners, long jumpers and good swimmers.
The Fallow Deer (Daino in Italian) is much larger animal, with an average weight of 85kg and a long neck and slim head. Its coat colour can also vary between each individual and season. Its tail is much longer than that of the Roe Deer, approx 20cm, and moves continuously. Male Fallow Deer also have antlers, which unlike those of the Roe Deer, have flat ends that look a bit like spades.
Both types of deer live in groups of herds that mainly remain hidden during the day and venture out at dusk in their search for food that consists mainly of small twigs, acorns and pine needles. Fallow Deer also eat mushrooms and blueberry leaves during the summer months, whereas the Roe Deer concentrates more on grass, clover leaves and often ventures towards cultivated crops for its source of food. Female deer also graze during the day so that they can be there to protect their young from predators during the night.