A red deer stag was recently photographed at Studley Royal Estate in North Yorkshire, England, sporting a unique natural headdress after leaves and branches became entangled in its antlers. The image was captured on Sunday by Dave Manson.
Manson, who was observing and photographing the deer, described being surprised by the stag's camouflage. "He then walked out across the open park and through the herd, seemingly completely unfazed by his new headwear," Manson stated, noting the opportunity to photograph the animal from various angles.
The Studley Royal Estate is managed by the National Trust and is home to approximately 300 deer, including about 120 red deer. Red deer are known to pluck leaves from lower tree branches, which may explain how the stag acquired its leafy adornment. The estate is also recognized as a World Heritage Site for the ruins of Fountains Abbey it surrounds.
Red deer are Britain's largest native land mammal. Mature stags develop antlers annually, which are shed and regrown. The deer exhibit rusty red coats in the summer, turning dark brown in winter.