The red deer rut is one of Europe’s most spectacular wildlife events. The stags’ powerful roars and contests for mates draw our attention, but the hinds are just as important to watch.

As hinds come into oestrus, stags roar, patrol, assess females and watch for rival males. Meanwhile, the hinds remain alert to their surroundings. In this footage, one hind with her calf repeatedly scans the area—and keeps an eye on the stag.

Female red deer live in social groups, where experienced hinds can influence movement and responses to disturbance. The rut is a shifting interaction between males and females, communicated through scent, sound, posture and movement.

Filmed using Pulsar thermal imaging and multispectral devices, which help hunters and wildlife managers observe wildlife and learn more about animal behaviour, including after dark.

To understand the rut, don’t just listen to the stag. Watch the hinds.