Roe (Capreolus capreolus)

Roe (Capreolus capreolus) is our most common and most widespread species of game, which hikers in the mountain world often encounter on clearings, along the edges of forests, and on mountain meadows up to the forest line. Its coat color changes markedly depending on the season, as it is characteristically reddish-brown in summer, while in winter it becomes gray-brown and noticeably thicker. The most recognizable feature, by which it can be distinguished from afar, is the white patch on the rear side of the body, which we call the mirror. It is a relatively small and elegant ungulate that reaches a height of up to 75 centimeters and usually weighs between 15 and 30 kilograms.
In the hilly world, it feeds primarily on selected parts of plants, such as young shoots, buds, herbs, and various fruits. It is an extremely cautious animal with excellently developed hearing and sense of smell; in danger, it often announces itself with a characteristic loud bark resembling a dog's, then flees to shelter with long and fast leaps. Since in winter in the mountains food becomes scarce, and the animals expend enormous energy moving in the snow, it is crucial that hikers do not disturb them. With its presence, the roe enriches the mountain landscape and represents an important part of the natural ecosystem, as it is also the main prey of our large predators.