Deer may look cute and cuddly but they can be very aggressive.  Last night I noticed them making their way into the backyard for feed.  Something was different.  There were 6 of them instead of 5.  After taking inventory, I was able to see that there was an extra adult.  

It was already getting dark but not dark enough to hinder viewing the fight that ensued.  There was no way that the 2 regular does were letting the outsider come to the food tub.  The newbie circled round and round and tried to make her way closer but the more aggressive female veered up on her hind legs and continually tried stomping on the new one.

The mean mama would veer and chase to try and get the intruder to jump the fence.  The new one was smart.  She would circle round and round the spruce tree and eventually circle back; only to be chased again.

During one of the bouts, I noticed something different about the deer being chased.  It had a black tipped tail.  It not only was a new deer to the yard but it was a mule deer.  There are not too many in the area.  What a treat to have her visit!  I refilled the food tub when all left with the hope that the mule deer would return.  

I hope they come back tomorrow during daylight hours.  My granddaughters are coming to visit and they love watching the deer in the backyard.

The weather is finally warming up and we should be able to enjoy lots of time outside.  We're starting each day with a x-country ski lesson.  Each girl wants to 'go faster'.  The lessons will give them the know-how to get up when they fall with the skis on.  Better to learn this technique before going faster.