Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds public to be cautious around deer during the rut

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is reminding the public to be careful around deer this time of year as the rut continues.

CPW shared the photos below saying that a group of deer were waiting out the snowstorm. The young buck collapsed in exhaustion.

According to CPW, the buck dug out a bed in the fallen scrub oak leaves and pine needles before laying its head down for a long rest.

CPW says that this buck is missing half its antlers. It's likely the result of violent sparring with a bigger buck in the annual fall mating dance to impress does. Even with just half a rack of antlers, bucks will continue sparring until the rut ends.

Not to worry, CPW says that this buck eventually got up and moved on with the does, no doubt preparing to fight again. The rut makes them very aggressive and unpredictable, which is why CPW reminds the public to be cautious around deer this time of year.