My mind raced when I saw an antlered White-tailed Deer standing still as a statue alongside the road winding through the mall parking lot. What on earth was he doing there? I came to a stop to stare at his glossy eyes staring intently across the road to the other side. Eventually, I discovered the object of his gaze — this pretty doe. I drove a short distance and turned around for a better view.
When I opened my window, I heard him make low, grunting sounds; and I admired his majestic stance. Then, in an instant, I found myself in the way as antlers raced past my headlights in a hot pursuit! The doe tried to escape, and the two thundered through the parking lot turning this way and that while the aggressive nature of the chase scared me. I feared they might run smack into my vehicle in their frenzy, so I took my foot off the brake and cautiously inched out of the way.
Eventually, the buck returned to the side of the road where I found him. On her side, she stood on high alert for a minute or two before laying down behind a shrub in a scantily landscaped, decorative island. My hands trembled on the steering wheel as I sat wide-eyed, thinking of the stark contrast between what I'd just witnessed and the peaceful, grazing deer scenes so familiar to me.
I never knew much about “the rut” before, but I do now. What an experience!
I would've been a nervous wreck seeing deer so close to the road. Makes my heart race just thinking about it. Love how the light has illuminated those long chin whiskers.
