If you think it unrealistic to imagine that the family of deer on the islet could take the little coyote into their own fold, I would like to tell you about a herd of deer I once saw. There is a park, not far from where I live, sandwiched between two ponds. One is a huge nature reserve for waterfowl, the other a smaller pond more accessible to park goers. The park, though small, consists of many winding cinder paths that branch off into small cul-de-sacs set up with large stone benches where people can bring a picnic lunch or just sit and enjoy their surroundings.
The paths are bordered by dense berry thickets that create havens for a variety of beautiful songbirds in the spring and fall. This is another great place close to the city to get away and enjoy nature, as it is secluded and nearly always uninhabited. A dirt trail runs between the two ponds where frequent tracks in the mud or snow, depending on the season, are evidence that deer regularly travel that way.
One winter evening I was visiting this trail and was delighted to see a herd of about seven deer coming in my direction. They were traveling from a densely-wooded area near the smaller pond and headed toward the trails and woods that border the larger body of water.
Standing very still to watch the group pass, I noticed that though the herd was of the graceful white-tailed variety, bringing up the rear was a stocky little mule deer walking slowly along with a pronounced limp. The mule deer with his huge ears, shaggy winter coat and shorter legs looked almost like a little donkey and made quite a contrast to the svelte long-legged animals that marched single file before him.
The whole group traveled very slowly, totally disregarding my presence, seeming only interested in accommodating the faltering pace of the injured mule deer straggling along at the end of the line.
This was a poignantly sweet sight. The injured mule deer, possibly having been rejected by his own herd, had been adopted by this beautiful and gracious group. So, who knows what other kindnesses a herd of white-tailed deer might be capable of ?
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