They are the shyest, most unobtrusive families living in the Saddleworth hills.

But groups of roe deer populating lush valleys are facing their biggest threat to survival caused by speeding vehicles.

In recent weeks, three roe deer have been killed and left on roadsides verging the main A62 Oldham to Huddersfield road.

Local conservationist and campaigner Hailey Wild, who found a male buck dead at the roadside, has tracked the wandering groups over the years.

She said: “The buck was killed at the top of a country lane linking the A62.

"It was quite upsetting."

The Oldham Times: Hailey Wild Hailey Wild

“The community has become very fond of their deer," she explained.

“Twenty years ago you only ever heard whispers of the elusive mysterious deer of Oldham.

"But over the last few years they have populated the countryside and regular sightings are made by residents.

“Roe deer do have home ranges. The males are seasonally territorial and live alone or will be seen with females in the territory between March and August.”

She added: “The tragedy is three have been killed — halving the group I watch.

"I suspect the Oldham population not to be too high as only small groups are observed.

“I've always had a keen interest in wildlife and working at Reaseheath, land-based college at Nantwich, has allowed me to broaden my interests as I have ecology and conservation colleagues.”

She went on: “Roe deer are the mother of all flight animals and therefore can mean drivers may not be able to react in time.

“Driving more cautiously and appropriately for the roads and slowing down on tight bends would definitely help.

“People should remember it's not just our home but theirs too. I mean we are in the middle of a biodiversity crisis, we need to look after every bit we've got.”

Saddleworth and Oldham councillor Pam Byrne said: “I’ve requested to Oldham highways to consider deer warning signs as we’ve had a number of fatalities.

“The request has been sent to an officer to look at the number and budgets.”