On November 12, 2026, the red deer cam is back for its 14th season in the pine forests near Tehumardi on Saaremaa Island, Estonia. Red deer are already gathering at the familiar feeding area, including impressive stags, females, and calves.
However, this season has another possibility worth keeping an eye on. A brown bear was recently photographed just 1.5 miles from the feeding site. Could it eventually wander into the live camera’s view?
Red Deer Cam Begins Its 14th Season
The camera is operated by Estonia’s State Forest Management Centre (RMK) and provides a live look at wildlife moving freely through the forests of western Saaremaa.
According to a November 12 update from RMK, the deer have wasted little time returning. Stags, females, and calves have all visited the feeding area during the opening days of the new season.
That’s particularly encouraging because the mix of animals changes from year to year. During some previous seasons, large stags dominated the feeding area while females with calves rarely appeared.
This year, females and their young were among the first visitors.
The activity doesn’t stop with the deer, either. RMK reports that a fox has already made several appearances, while a badger has also passed through on multiple occasions.
A Brown Bear Was Spotted Just 1.5 Miles Away
One of the most intriguing developments involves an animal that hasn’t appeared on the red deer cam yet.
According to RMK, a brown bear was captured by a separate trail camera on October 22, approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the deer feeding area.
Brown bears are rare on Saaremaa, making the nearby sighting especially interesting. In July 2026, RMK reported that a bear had been photographed repeatedly in the Kuressaare hunting district after first being recorded in May.
Now, with the seasonal deer camera operating again, there’s a possibility that a bear could eventually pass through the area.
To be clear, a bear has not been confirmed on the live red deer camera this season. The October 22 sighting came from a separate trail camera nearby.
Whether the animal ventures closer remains to be seen.
More Than Deer Have Appeared Over the Years
The Tehumardi camera has recorded an impressive variety of wildlife throughout its history.
Along with red deer, previous seasons have brought wild boar, moose, roe deer, foxes, raccoon dogs, badgers, pine martens, hares, and even wolves into view.
Birds also make appearances, including jays, owls, and cranes.
Some unexpected moments have become favorites among people following the camera.
One fox developed a taste for carrots left at the feeding site, earning the nickname “carrot fox.”
Then, during the previous season, a young deer managed to climb directly into a box containing leftover carrots. The unusual feeding behavior caught the attention of RMK’s wildlife team.
A golden jackal also joined the camera’s growing list of recorded species last season.
These encounters help explain why the camera has remained a popular part of Estonia’s wildlife monitoring efforts for so many years.
Why Winter Brings More Deer to the Camera
As autumn gives way to winter, the feeding area becomes increasingly attractive to red deer.
The animals typically complete their autumn breeding season before settling into their colder-weather routines. Meanwhile, grasses and other natural food sources become less readily available.
Red deer often spend daylight hours resting in nearby forests before moving toward feeding areas around dusk.
However, their schedules can change when winter weather arrives.
During February 2026, RMK documented an unusual stretch of daytime activity. On February 8, eleven deer had gathered at the feeding area by 3 p.m., noticeably earlier than their typical arrival.
Cold temperatures and snow were considered possible reasons for the change.
As this season progresses, similar patterns may develop again.
Watch the Red Deer Cam Live
The camera provides a continuous livestream during its operating season, including infrared nighttime viewing that makes it possible to follow activity after dark.
Early mornings and evenings are generally good times to check for deer, although animals can appear at any hour.
With stags, females, calves, foxes, and badgers already visiting, the 2026–2027 season is underway.
And somewhere in the surrounding forest, a brown bear has provided one more reason to keep an eye on the clearing.
Watch the Red Deer Cam Live in Estonia
The live wildlife camera is operated by Estonia’s State Forest Management Centre (RMK).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the live red deer cam located?
The red deer cam is located near Tehumardi on Saaremaa Island in western Estonia. It overlooks a forest feeding area visited by free-ranging red deer and other wildlife.
Has a bear appeared on the red deer cam in 2026?
As of November 12, no bear appearance has been confirmed on the live deer camera this season. However, a brown bear was recorded by a separate trail camera on October 22, about 1.5 miles from the feeding site.
What other animals visit the red deer cam?
Over the years, the camera has recorded foxes, raccoon dogs, badgers, wild boar, moose, wolves, and various birds. Some animals appear regularly, while others are much less common.
When is the best time to see red deer?
Evening and early morning are often the most active periods. However, cold weather and snow can encourage the deer to visit the feeding area during daylight hours.
