Do deer know they are related?

By Grant Woods,

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← Grant's AnswersDeer Biology
Question
Do deer know if there related? Would a father and son buck fight over a doe ?

Rickey,

I’m not aware of any research on that subject.  There has been research confirming that does often force male fawns out of their home range after they are weaned.  However, there is a much closer bond between a does and her male fawn than a buck and offspring he sired.  I doubt a buck would recognize a another buck he sired.  The buck would simply consider this another buck competing for a receptive doe and wouldn’t hesitate to fight.

Enjoy creation,

grant

October 19, 2015