Mule Deer

I feel that I have not paid nearly enough attention to the mule deer.  Perhaps it is because they bolt whenever I am within 2 km of their paddock and no camera can capture how magical it looks when they run. The mule deer are pretty tiny (compared to most other northern animals), and when they run, they alternate between running and leaping across the meadow or through the trees. 

The mule deer are relatively new to Yukon, having only become common in the last 50 years or so. They have been getting a bit of a bad rap lately, as it is suspected they brought the winter tick north with them, which has been hard on the elk population (in particu

lar). (global warming! invasive species!) 

I was fortunate earlier this week to go for a walk at the end of the work day. It was a rare day in which I had just finished 6 straight hours of meetings and I was exhausted (apparently, I am already unaccustomed). It was mild and sunny ('cause its always sunny here!), and I went for a walk.  I have learned, that if one is very, very careful and a little bit lucky, there are times when the mule deer will allow you to get a tiny bit closer - a tiny bit. 

They spend most of their day hiding in the forest, ruminating, and if you can be quiet and almost none-moving, they too, will wait a few minutes before bolting again. I was quiet, I was still and I got a couple of photos. Then I sat on the corner of the picnic table that has emerged from its winter cover and watched as they herded themselves into a line 

and ran for cover.