Doe, Fawn, and Ticks

 

I snagged this shot of this doe and her fawn over the weekend. I didn't realize until I downloaded the photo to my computer and viewed it on a larger screen that she was covered in ticks.

We have an upsurge in tick problems around here this year. One of our local television stations even reported recently on how bad they've become.

How do ticks affect wildlife? In deer, heavy tick infestations can contribute to fawn loss and even antler deformities in bucks, among other health problems. 

Deer also happen to be excellent tick transporters, and we have plenty of them around here.

Which means, I suppose, we have plenty of ticks too.

Of course, I wasn't trying to photograph a doe covered in ticks. I was after the little one.

I stepped out the front door and stood at the corner of the house. The doe spotted me immediately and decided I didn't belong there. She planted herself and began stomping a hoof, hoping I'd take the hint and leave.

I was hoping she'd wander over to my side of the fence so I could get a better shot, so I stayed perfectly still.

Stamp. Stomp.

She kept trying to make me move. I kept standing still.

Finally, she apparently decided that whatever I was, I wasn't going anywhere. She wheeled around and bounded off, and the fawn raced after her as fast as those little legs could carry it.