I was in Richmond Park the other day and lots of the deer were wagging their tales. I just wondered if that was a sign they were happy, like it is with dogs.
2007-04-17 22:02:00 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Deers wag their tails for many reasons. To signal other deer, to keep flies away and, in some species, to flash the white underside of their tail as part of a mating ritual.
Do they wag them just because their happy? I don't know, but it's a nice thought so let's just say "Yes" :)
2007-04-17 22:10:49 · answer #1 · answered by Nigel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Feeding or wandering deer wag their tails gently from side to side to signal contentment.
They also do it to warn of danger.
While-tailed deer have white tails to signal other deer of danger. An alert animal holds its tail at a 90-degree angle to warn other deer . If a deer sees or smell a predator, it raises its tail straight up in the air. This behavior is called “flagging.” A deer may then run away, long tail flagging, carrying other bucks or does with it.
Tail flagging is an involuntary motion, but deer do often use their tails to communicate. Female deer raise and show their white tails when they are ready to breed.
2007-04-18 05:09:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tails are there to fan the flies away in the first place. Interesting question though if deer uses it for body language the way dogs do.
2007-04-18 05:07:08 · answer #3 · answered by Eugene 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes also. I lived in an area as a teen where we had deer come around and one time I saw one of them wagging their tails.
2007-04-18 05:06:22 · answer #4 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Deer wag their tails to distribute scent to other deer.
It is a good way for a deer to get laid!
I wish I could get laid as easy as that!
2007-04-18 05:06:42 · answer #5 · answered by snapdragon747 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The two deer that frequent my backyard wag thier tails when I toss out grapes or banana. So i'd say yes.
2007-04-18 05:04:57 · answer #6 · answered by hell hath no fury 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think any animal, as long as they wag their tails UPwards, are happy indeed. Their body would be upright.
If while wagging, the deer curls itself and shrinks its body, then it is unhappy.
Yes, your deer are happy deer.
2007-04-18 05:08:06 · answer #7 · answered by sweet_sunshine 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, they are keeping the flies away, wouldn't you if you were them?
2007-04-18 09:31:59 · answer #8 · answered by dogsandysassy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so - it could be to do with spreading scent!
2007-04-18 12:24:43 · answer #9 · answered by mikeandjulia.t21@btinternet.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋