SPRING is here: First fox kits, now twin fawns in powerline area

[jonnyoxygen]

A small group of us were riding yesterday (5/23) and came upon a doe and two brand-spanking new fawns at the base of the powerline area on the Wakefield side. One of the little dudes was so out of it he walked right up and passed/scraped up against each of us. Not because he was looking for new friends, it looked like he was looking for a clue. He may have JUST been born within a day or two, so he was still trying to get his bearings in this crazy, mixed-up world. Just be wary: Holmes is so tiny he's easy to miss (and easy to run over, unfortunately).

[jvanbrecht]

A small group of us were riding yesterday (5/23) and came upon a doe and two brand-spanking new fawns at the base of the powerline area on the Wakefield side. One of the little dudes was so out of it he walked right up and passed/scraped up against each of us. Not because he was looking for new friends, it looked like he was looking for a clue. He may have JUST been born within a day or two, so he was still trying to get his bearings in this crazy, mixed-up world. Just be wary: Holmes is so tiny he's easy to miss (and easy to run over, unfortunately).

Curious.. how protective are dear.. I have on a number of occasions at wakefield and roseryville come across a number of dear with fawns near the trail, I always stop when I see them to wait for them to pass, but a couple of times I have come close enough before seeing them that I am worried I may get charged...

[Brizn]

'shed Rattlers are of no concern and you're worried about Deer??

[allencb]

Curious.. how protective are dear.. I have on a number of occasions at wakefield and roseryville come across a number of dear with fawns near the trail, I always stop when I see them to wait for them to pass, but a couple of times I have come close enough before seeing them that I am worried I may get charged...

I have never had a doe with fawns act aggressive towards me or even heard of it happening, but bucks in rut can be quite aggressive.

Don't discount deer because they look cute. They have strong legs and sharp hooves, a well placed kick can ruin your day.

Chris

[Dirt]

Curious.. how protective are dear.. I have on a number of occasions at wakefield and roseryville come across a number of dear with fawns near the trail, I always stop when I see them to wait for them to pass, but a couple of times I have come close enough before seeing them that I am worried I may get charged...

Use common sense and you should be fine. Ride in control, leave plenty of room between you and deer.... even adult deer. Teaching a deer that people are not a threat is not really a good thing for the deer.

There used to be a buck at Wakefield that wasn't really aggressive, but it would NOT back down if you met it on the trail. I encountered it 5 or 6 times in the span of 18 months. I learned pretty quickly that when I met up with it, it was best to pick a different trail.

Pete

[Dirt]

If you want more sensational information, google "when deer attack" and you'll find out what the internet thinks.

I will say that you can replace "deer" with any animal of choice and get some nice internet content. My personal favorite is "when hamsters attack." (http://www.whenhamstersattack.com/index.php)

"When badgers attack" (http://www.badgerbadgerbadger.com/) is worth looking at too.

But seriously folks... Common sense and basic respect for animals will serve you well with deer.

Pete

[jvanbrecht]

'shed Rattlers are of no concern and you're worried about Deer??

I like snakes.. but thats not really the point. Snakes hatch and have to fend for themselves, deer are a little more social.. and I suspect daddy deer might get a little protective.... I have little to no experiance with deer, so I did not really know. But when I do see them... I stop, wait for them to move along.. or go elsewhere (as pete suggested)

[allencb]

I suspect daddy deer might get a little protective....
Daddy don't care. Momma on the other hand might...

Choosing a different route is always a good idea, as Dirt said...

Chris

[allencb]

Of all the animals you might meet in the mid-atlantic forests, nothing wigs me out more than dogs away from their owners, feral and otherwise (the dog that is). Feral dogs are particularly nasty and will kill for the heck of it. I've been chased up a tree more than once by semi-feral packs (though not in over 10 years).

Chris

[senator]

I agree with Chris, hearing a dog collar jingling in the distance in a location it shouldn't be is downright scary.

I have seen many deer at Wakefield in the past few weeks. One in particular was huge, had antlers, and was just staring at me from about 5 feet away before I noticed it. Just about gave me a heart attack when I saw it!

And, since we're talking animals... here's a list of the exotic wildlife I've seen at Wakefield:

Deer - many times
Snake (black rat snake) - 2x
Chipmunk - 1x
Owl (big S.O.B., too) - 1x

[drewdane]

If you want more sensational information, google "when deer attack" and you'll find out what the internet thinks.

I will say that you can replace "deer" with any animal of choice and get some nice internet content. My personal favorite is "when hamsters attack." (http://www.whenhamstersattack.com/index.php)

"When badgers attack" (http://www.badgerbadgerbadger.com/) is worth looking at too.

But seriously folks... Common sense and basic respect for animals will serve you well with deer.

Pete
LOL - number three on "Top 11 Ways to Avoid Hamster Attacks":

3) Never cover your entire body in Cheez-Whiz, then roll around in sunflower seeds.

Damn - there goes the weekend!