deer encounter yesterday...

[northernlights]

As I was heading out to the hospital, I saw Dahli running around in the snow :wtf:? instead of inside eating breakfast.

Then heard a pattering behind the huge snowbank in the garden by the garage.

A doe emerged no more than 15 feet from me. :wow: She had jumped my 4' fence, ran up the narrow trail I've cleared, and alongside my garage. Bounded across my driveway, white tail held high. Out into the street -- thank goodness no cars were approaching. Crossed the street and then, instead of continuing into the field, turned left and bounded up the street, passed the next house up, then turned into their driveway and bounded into their side yard and then into the woods behind.

[Celebration]

1. getting into your garden?

That might make it worth it to jump your fence. Did the doe just freeze when she saw you? Deer are interesting. If you are really close, sometimes they get that "deer in the headlights" thing even when there aren't headlights, and sometimes they up and run. They are mostly nocturnal, but some must have sleep disorder because I have been known to see them at 1 PM.

They are also extremely dangerous around cars. We have to be very careful on rural highways around here, and pretty much completely avoid driving on them at night.

My best close encounter with a deer was actually on a beach on an island in Puget Sound. They must be less shy than around here. I love taking photos of wildlife but most of my photos from around here are of their tails! I got some great photos of the one on the island.

[northernlights]

2. the garden is under several feet of snow...

She was coming through my property to cross the street. There is a moose trail that runs alonside my house (the other side). And trails across the street as well.

She hesitated when she saw me, but didn't freeze. Bounded on about her business.