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Guest column

Step by step, deer tentatively greet newcomers

By STACIE BLAKE
Published December 23, 2005

We moved to Florida six months ago from Vermont. We have a lot to learn about this state.

Our last house sat in a hollow on the side of a small mountain. Our yard was frequented by deer, bears, squirrels, foxes and any manner of other forest creatures.

After 15 years we had learned their rhythms: the awkward fawns in the spring; the herds of deer moving over the pastures in the fall, eating the fallen apples in the woods, seeking safety from the hunters; the bucks, huge with racks as they pursued their mates in late summer each year. Everyone in the family could identify their tracks in the snow, ice or mud of each season.

It was a matter of pride to have deer in your yard. Moving to Florida, we knew we had left these creatures and their familiar habits behind.

How startling, then, to begin seeing a new variety of deer in this state.

During the past few weeks they seem to have multiplied - new ones every evening. They are smaller than the Vermont version, and bright with light. Sometimes alone, they are also seen in small groupings, and in one yard recently I saw six.

Some take a leaping posture. Some seem to slowly move their heads to and fro, gazing about, although others seem not to move at all. Maybe like the Vermont deer they are afraid of humans and freeze to blend in with their surroundings when seen.

They graze often. They must be hungry, since most of the heads are down, but sometimes one of the group stands erect, scanning the area, perhaps looking for the others.

There aren't any in my yard yet, but in most neighborhoods I have seen them.

Perhaps they are drawn close to the houses by the bright holiday lights that are hung on eaves and trees. Perhaps it is a seasonal thing; sensing the cooler weather, they have emerged from the nearby game preserves.

Maybe they are somehow religious. I have seen them near a nativity scene.

This being our first year, we are keeping our distance. You can't be too sure about these unusual creatures in Florida.

As with the alligators, I feel they are best viewed with reserve. My family and I watch and wonder. Last night they appeared in the yard next door. Are we next?

Stacie Blake is a resident of Palm Harbor.

[Last modified December 23, 2005, 01:13:18]