Deer rutting season begins in Poland

The deer rutting season, known as 'rykowisko', has begun in Poland, characterized by loud, resonant bellows from male deer used to attract females and intimidate rivals. This period, which typically peaks in mid-September, involves intense physical competition between stags, often occurring at dawn or dusk. These battles can result in serious injuries, including eye damage or fatal wounds from antler clashes.

The loud, bass-like sounds can carry for several kilometers and have occasionally caused alarm among tourists. In mountainous regions, some visitors have mistaken the sounds for bears and mistakenly called emergency services like TOPR. Authorities and foresters advise the public to maintain a safe distance from the animals, as deer can become unpredictable during this high-energy mating period when they do not eat.