By Natascha Rivera
Copyright euroweeklynews
IN the Sierra de los Filabres mountain range, located in the breathtaking province of Almeria, a curious sound can now be heard, ringing in the autumn season in the region: deer calls. The sound, which has already become something of a sensation with visiting tourists and hiking passersby, comes from what is estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,500 deer that call the Sierra de los Filabres home, and the abundance of water and vegetation in the area means that the region is buzzing with animal activity, as the deer mating season begins.
The mountain range is not the only place in Almeria where deer can be seen, but they are more abundant – and loud – in this area compared to other mountains and regions in Spain, including the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra de las Estancias. The peak of the deer mating season usually falls in the last two weeks of September, depending on the year’s climate, and the bellows of the deer will be a major draw for nature lovers and hikers as they traverse the mountains.
Interestingly, the deer census in the Sierra de los Filabres has actually been declining in recent years, but this data is offset by the number of deer arriving from other areas, including the aforementioned mountain ranges, Sierra Alhamilla, Los Velez, and other municipalities in the east including Chercos and Lubrin.
Those who love taking walks out in nature and find themselves in the area are well advised to spend an afternoon in the mountains and see if they can hear the deer calls. Additionally, this coincides with the peak mushroom-, chestnut-, and other autumn treat- harvesting season, which is a major draw for nature lovers and harvesting hobbyists.
Of course, approaching deer or disturbing the natural environment should be avoided to ensure the mating season is not disrupted and that deer numbers continue to increase. However, a trek through the mountains is a wonderful way to spend the day in beautiful Almeria.
