What is Deer Molting? Why & How It Happens

Deer molting is when deer shed their old fur and grow a new coat. This happens twice every year, in spring and fall. Deer need to molt so they can stay comfortable and healthy as the seasons change. It’s like how we change clothes for summer and winter!

Deer molt because they need different coats for different weather. Each coat helps protect them:

• Summer Coat: Deer get a thin, reddish-brown coat for the summer. It keeps them cool and helps them blend into the green forest.
• Winter Coat: In the fall, they grow a thicker, grayish-brown coat. This winter fur traps air to keep them warm, just like a cozy blanket.

When Does Molting Happen?

Deer start molting in the spring and again in the fall. Each time, the old fur falls off, and new fur grows in. The process usually takes a few weeks. First, the fur on their head and neck starts to shed. Then, it spreads down the rest of the body. In deer, molting is followed by antler shedding.

During the spring molt, you might see deer with patches of loose fur hanging off them. They can look messy, but that’s normal! By summer, their coats are smooth and shiny again. In the fall, they lose the thin coat and grow a fluffy, warm one. The new winter coat protects them from cold winds and snow.

Deer Molting Pictures

What Happens During Molting?

Molting doesn’t happen all at once. It starts when the days get longer in spring or shorter in fall. You might notice deer rubbing against trees or bushes. They do this to help remove the loose fur faster. It can also be itchy for them, so they scratch a lot!

If you see a deer with bald spots or clumps of fur missing, it’s usually because it’s molting. The new fur underneath grows quickly and fills in the gaps.

How Does Molting Help Deer?

Molting helps deer stay healthy. The summer coat keeps them cool, while the winter coat keeps them warm. The fur also changes colour. In summer, it’s reddish-brown, helping them hide in thick green plants. In winter, it turns grey or brown, making it easier to hide in bare woods or snowy areas. 

Usually molting happen after antler shedding. If you are seeing deer molt, know how to find antlers and use these as decoration in your home.

Let’s look at some reasons why molting is so important:

Keeps Deer Comfortable

In summer, deer grow a thin coat that keeps them cool. In winter, they grow a thick coat that keeps them warm. Molting helps deer have the right fur for every season.

Protects from Bad Weather

The thick winter coat has hollow hairs that trap air. This makes it like a warm blanket! It keeps deer warm even in snow or cold.

Helps Deer Hide from Predators

When deer molt, the colour of their fur changes. Their reddish-brown summer coat helps them hide in green forests. In winter, their grayish-brown coat helps them blend in with bare trees and snow. This makes it hard for predators to spot them!

Grows New, Healthy Fur

Molting lets deer get rid of old, dirty fur. The new fur is clean and free of bugs like ticks or fleas.

Prepare for Weather Changes

Molting starts in spring and fall. Deer get ready for summer or winter by growing the right type of fur. This means they are always ready for the next season.

Deer need these changes to survive. Without molting, they would overheat in summer or freeze in winter. Each coat is like a perfect outfit for the season.

Signs of Deer Molting

Want to know if a deer is molting? Look for these signs:

Patches of Missing Fur: Molting deer often have uneven or patchy coats.

Itching and Scratching: They might rub against trees or scratch themselves to remove loose fur.

Changing Fur Color: In spring, their coats go from thick and grey to thin and red. In fall, they turn grayish-brown again.

Why is Molting Important?

Molting helps deer adapt to their surroundings. The different coats let them handle both heat and cold. The seasonal colours also provide camouflage. This makes it harder for predators to spot them.

How Can You Help Deer During Molting?

If you spot a deer looking scruffy or itchy, don’t worry! It’s just molting. You can help by keeping a safe distance and not disturbing them. Let them rub against trees or roll on the ground. This helps them shed the old fur faster and grow a new, healthy coat.

Fun Facts About Deer Molting

Quick Fur Change: Deer starts molting as soon as the seasons change. It only takes a few weeks for their new coat to grow.

Seasonal Camouflage: Each coat helps them hide from predators. Their red summer coat blends in with green leaves, while their grey winter coat blends in with snow or bare trees.

Double Layer Protection: The winter coat has two layers. The outer fur keeps water out, while the inner fur traps air and keeps them warm.

Final Thoughts

Deer molting is a natural and important process. It keeps deer comfortable in both hot and cold weather. Deers can stay healthy and blend into their surroundings by shedding and regrowing coats. So, if you see a deer looking a little scruffy, don’t worry! It’s just getting ready for the next season.