Strange Noises in the Tatras. They Can Only Be Heard for the Next Month

A trip to the Tatras in autumn is an opportunity not only to admire the landscapes, but also to commune with the true king of the forest. In mid-September, the rutting season begins in the forests. Deer then make loud sounds resembling roaring, which is supposed to scare off other males and attract partners. The terrifying sounds are often confused by tourists with bears.

Rutting ground in the Tatra Mountains

The Tatra National Park employees remind tourists about the rutting season. The mating season for red deer begins in mid-September. The entire process of pairing off the deer lasts about a month. This is a special time when tourists can hear the loud roar of males trying to attract a female and at the same time scare off the male competition. Throughout the month, there are also duels between male deer – the place where the clashes take place is also called the rutting season. “When going to the Tatras in the near future, keep your eyes and ears open! Remember, however, not to disturb the wild animals – this is their home, and we are just guests here. In the event of an encounter, do not approach them and do not feed them under any circumstances,” we read in a post published on the TPN Facebook page.

Tourists think they are bears

The loud, bass roars of deer can most often be heard at night. Residents of areas located near forests are therefore accustomed to the annual mating. Tourists, however, can be really surprised. Especially in the Tatra Mountains, a region inhabited by brown bears, the sounds made by deer can send shivers down your spine. “Last year on the route to Morskie Oko at 6 a.m. when it started roaring 20 meters away from us, my heart almost jumped out of my throat,” reports one of the tourists. “I once heard it near Morskie Oko and I got scared too, thinking it was a bear,” adds another.