Some people mistakenly believe that antelope and deer are largely vocally mute and don’t interact with other species. Scent and body language are how deer primarily communicate. Snorting is one of the most popular forms of vocal communication.
When anything affects them visually, aurally, or sonically, they snort. Deer warn or inform their friends about impending danger by snorting. Snorting is frequently accompanied by a foot stomp and a tail flick. This action enables the other people to quickly release the dangerous person.
Deer must consume prey to survive, and they are incredibly quick to flee when danger appears. Most of the time, this action keeps the deer alive. Only when they notice anything alarming do these animals snort.
What makes them snort?
When a deer snorts, it typically alerts the rest of the herd of potential danger. Then, the herd becomes vigilant and ready for a possible attack. Deer are social animals, and the herd is essential for security, helping to keep fawns safe and ensure the survival of the species.
When the hunters hear the snorting sound, they are then spotted by deer. When they see people, they don’t only compromise at snorting. They also snort when they are being surprised by a human or another animal such as bids with their alarming calls, rabbits running in bushes, and detection of predators.
In snorting, the deer blow air forcefully out of the nostrils and they are contracted by some muscles. The air bursts from the nostrils and cause vibration, which we perceive as snorting.
Other reasons for snorting
Deer mostly snort with a purpose, besides using their voice as an alarm. They can merge their snorting voice with other vocalizations, which in return changes its meaning. Deer also snort when they got irritation or frustration.
Snorting is very often followed by foot stamping. Sometimes a female surrounded by young males can snort to show her discomfort. Deer also get irritation by some running and flying insects and, in that reaction, they snort and stamp their foot.
During the mating period, a snort is usually followed by a grunt. Some of the males use 3 or 4 louder versions of snorts along with a grunt to impress the other young male.
The snort plus grunt shows a threatening body condition. The male holds back his ears on his head, moves his first food, and usually shakes his antlers. Females use snort and grunt in situations if they are frightened or have a danger of any attack. Females show less snorting grunt behavior as compared to males.
Gender-specific snorting behavior
Both males and females snort, but males often snort more as compared to females. Females are usually present in the form of a herd and are more important for the survival of deer. So does snort quickly and gave alarms to other herd members for awareness of any threat or danger.
Males either live single or even in herds and they usually don’t involve bringing up their offspring. Some studies reveal that in some cases, bucks are less concerned with the safety of the herd.
Types of a deer snorting
Deer produce usually two types of alarm snorting. The first one is a loud, single snorting voice that deer produce when they are starting a flight. They produce this voice when they face any danger in their closest vicinity and are frightened.
The deer begins to gallop while flapping its tail with a single snort. They wave their tails to show off their white or light-colored hair tail. If a predator is pursuing them, this behavior can keep a herd under control.
Even though they are less noticeable, the deer can easily recognize the white tails of their herd from a distance.
The other reason for snorting is related to the danger that is not immediately present. Their longer snorts are accompanied by foot stomping and tail flapping. They snort to scare off the nearby animals.
Deer snort to communicate curiosity
Sometimes deer snort while trying to communicate their curiosity with their herd fellows. They snort when they try to show that something wrong is happening or going to happen.
According to some people, deer is a dangerous animal because many people hunt them. They are not dangerous enough, but you should be prepared to avoid any harm. Deer are only dangerous in certain conditions, otherwise, they are cool and calm animals.
If you interfere with them during their mating, they will attack you in no time. The bucks in the rutting period are quite aggressive and are famous to chase people around them. Sometimes they damage fences and do unusual acts.
They are usually not afraid of humans. If you see a deer coming toward you, there is more possibility of running away from them than attacking you. In some places, some deer snort when they feel discomfort from your presence.
Deer move freely very often and don’t feel danger from humans. In most areas of the world, the hunting of deer is strictly banned. Different types of deer behave differently. For example, the behavior of whitetails deer is different from Japanese deer.
Physiological changes associated with snorting
Snorting acts to clean the nostrils from dust and dirt. It allows deer to smell odors in a better way and it is useful in times of danger. This act allows the good intake of some extra oxygen which is required by the deer in making sudden escape possible.
At that time, adrenaline rushes into the body and prepares the body for fight and flight mode. Blood rushes to the major muscles. It dilates the pupil for better visibility and pain sensations are minimized.
Adrenaline level increases in threatening conditions and coincide with alarming snorts. It is also audible when the deer face frustration or irritation from the environment or surrounding bucks.
Best time to see deer snorting
If you are in the woodlands and you want to listen to snorting, then you should stand as still as possible. Don’t presume the deer are taking your presence into consideration. The majority of the time, deer snort when they spot predators like bears, wolves, coyotes, or ant cougars.
The fact that the animal is looking at you while snorting indicates that you are the cause of the behavior. You should remain silent and calm so as not to alarm the deer. If the deer are calm, you’ll have the chance to listen to their sounds and observe how they behave as a herd.
The animal is attempting to attack you if it is making snorting and grunting noises, as well as moving forward and gazing at you.
Wild deer attack humans rarely. Studies revealed that if deer see so many people around them they become stressed and feel frightened. Deer become more aggressive to predators if their babies are also present in the herd.
If deer attack you after snorting
In some cases, deer can attack you. Snorting by looking at you is a clear indication of a coming attack you have to prepare by yourself to avoid the danger. Wave your hands for help or show others that you are in a threatening condition.
Move back slowly not abruptly, by keeping an eye on the deer’s moves. Always remember, you can’t beat a deer in running. He will chase you easily and reach you in no time.
If a deer still approaches you despite your best efforts to save your life, you should try to climb a tree or place anything in his paths, such as a car or a rock, to prevent him from getting close.
Deer mothers favor shaded regions because they can readily watch over their young and protect them from many predators there. They will rush at you to protect their child if you obtrusively approach them with it. They can damage you inadvertently if they do this. The priority should always be your safety if you hunt. Do not approach wild deer up close if you do not hunt.
In conclusion, if you know the normal characteristics of deer, then you can avoid any harm from them, with good tactics.
