Ask The Biologist

Why do does stomp at danger?

QUESTION: I’ve seen this several times where a doe gets nervous and stomps its front foot. I’ve always wondered what purpose this serves.

ANSWER: Deer most often stamp when they sense a potential threat but have not identified it. Otherwise, they would simply flee.

This behavior likely serves several purposes. First, it alerts other deer of possible danger. In a thick, forested environment, other deer can hear or even feel the vibration of the stomp. While probably not intentional, it might also signal a potential predator they have been detected, possibly discouraging an attack. The sudden, jarring stomp might also induce a predator to flinch, giving themselves away.

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