Do Deers have a favourite fragrance? Study finds they choose strong-scented trees

A fresh rub by deer on a winged elm tree seen in a flashlight. (Image: National Deer Association)

• Male deer rub trees to mark territory with scent glands.
• Deer rubs glow under UV light, visible to deer, new research shows.
• Deer prefer resin-rich trees, enhancing scent and visual signals.

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For decades, wildlife biologists have known that male deer, particularly species such as the White-tailed deer rub their antlers and foreheads against trees during the breeding season. This is known as the "rut". The behaviour helps them mark territory using scent glands near their eyes and forehead.

But now, new research suggests there may be more going on. Deer might not only be choosing specific trees for their scent. Their rubs and scrapes may also glow in wavelengths visible to deer but invisible to human eyes.

Trees are not Just to Shred Antlers 

Male deer, especially species such as the White-tailed deer do rub trees to remove the soft velvet covering their growing antlers. But there is more to this. At this shredding time, deers use specialised scent glands.

These glands are already located on their forehead and near their eyes. When they press and twist their heads against bark, they deposit chemical signals. These chemical signals are signs that the deer is marking its territory.

Who is behind the study of Deers? 

Researchers at the University of Georgia Deer Lab have recently added a fascinating dimension to this story. Graduate researcher Daniel DeRose-Broeckert and colleagues studied deer rubs and scrapes under ultraviolet (UV) light.

Daniel DeRose-Broeckert from University of Georgia Deer Lab. (Image: National Deer Association)

Their findings suggest that exposed wood and disturbed soil can reflect UV wavelengths. This light can only be detected by deers but not by humans.

Because deer eyes are highly sensitive to blue and ultraviolet light, these rubs may stand out visually in low light conditions. Scientists have described the effect as similar to “highway reflectors”.

What “Fragrance” Do Deers Look For?

Deer appears to favour trees with strong-smelling sap. These trees are rich in aromatic compounds known as terpenes. These chemicals produce the distinctive scent of resin, pine and cedar.

Scientists suggest resinous trees may hold scent molecules longer. This

amplifies the buck’s own chemical signal.  This scent possibly interacts with glandular secretions in ways that enhance visibility or longevity.

Does Every Deer Do This?

Not quite. While females and younger deer may occasionally investigate rubs, it is primarily adult males that create them. Mature bucks are the most active sign-makers, particularly during peak breeding season.

The behaviour is linked to rising testosterone levels in deers. Competition with rival males and courtship signalling. In essence, the older and more dominant the buck, the more deliberate and frequent the rubbing behaviour tends to be.

Which Trees Become Targets of Deers?

Field observations show that deer commonly target trees such as pine, cedar, sassafras, maple and other smooth-barked and resin-rich species. Young trees with thinner trunks are particularly vulnerable. Their bark is easier to strip, exposing lighter inner wood that contrasts sharply with the darker forest background.