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What scent glands do deer have on their legs?

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male white-tailed deer — deer Male white-tailed deer (*Odocoileus virginianus*).

Deer possess several types of scent glands located on their legs, which vary by species and specific location.1

Foot (pedal) glands: These are present on the back legs of most American deer.1
Tarsal glands: These are also found in American deer.1
Metatarsal glands: These are present in some deer species.1

While the exact function of many of these glands remains a matter of scientific conjecture, it is observed that some species, such as the chital, use glands in their hind feet to leave scent on the ground, which may serve as a danger signal when the animal is alarmed.1