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When Animals Look Back At Us
You have to wonder what they see. Aliens? Antagonists? Intruders into their peaceable kingdom? They know a lot that we’ll never comprehend
This dear family of deer (above) was just wandering the territory as two friends and I drove by, on a recent visit to Yellowstone National Park, oldest such park in the nation and perhaps in the world.
We left them to their leisurely pursuits after quietly snapping a few photos and driving on. Within another few miles there was another family group. We counted a dozen or so mostly hidden in the wild grasses and mostly minding their own inscrutable business. But an impressive rack of antlers (below) left no doubt as to the leadership of the clan as he moved ahead, with an occasional glance in our direction.
Here’s my question: While we so confidently move among the flora and fauna of an historic site, trying to absorb nature’s bounty — and perhaps a lesson or two — what must go through the heads of our fellow creatures? Of all the deer we spotted, the one who holds my attention is that youngster in the top photo, staring straight into my eyes from behind two older siblings.
