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Clash of the titans

In autumn, female red deer - the hinds - come into season on the Scottish glens and the stags challenge each other for the right to mate. Other males respond with challenging roars, tasting the air for the scent of other deer - scent that carries information about sex, strength and status. The stag guarding the herd focuses all his energy on keeping his leadership, racing through the herd to reinforce his status. Only when two males are evenly matched in size and determination will the conflict escalate. Then the two will clash antlers, trying to force each other backwards. The battle is only over when one accepts defeat and backs off. The victor will then return to the herd and mate with all the females as they come into season.

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