Surprise Deer Fight Caught on Camera in the Hudson Valley

It looks like humans aren't the only ones tired of this long, cold winter.

Growing up, I always thought of deer as majestic. We would whisper if we saw one grazing in our yard so we wouldn't startle it and send it running away. The deer recently caught on camera in the Hudson Valley, however, seem to be a different kind of breed.

White-Tailed Deer Fights in New York

Fighting between deer can be common during their mating season (also called rut) between November and January, with male deer quite literally butting heads to assert dominance over their territory. This recent backyard brawl was different.

Deer Fight Caught on Camera in the Hudson Valley

"A front row seat to the fights in my yard this afternoon", a Hudson Valley resident recently posted on Facebook. The accompanying video (below) showed two female deer doing their best impressions of heavyweight boxers.

Fighting Styles of White-Tailed Deer

While male deer (called bucks) are known for fighting with their antlers, female deer (called does) have a different style: rearing up on their hind legs and hitting with their front legs. Wildlife professionals have a theory as to what starts these lesser-known fights.

Why Do Female Deer Fight?

While female deer aren't fighting for the right to breed like bucks do, it's still theorized that fights between does are related to dominance and "pecking order". It also seems that bucks will occasionally try the "slap fight" style of confrontation as well (below)

While deer are generally not aggressive towards people, videos like these should send a clear reminder that even though these animals can seem docile, nearly every one of them can still pack a punch.