Dear Deer,
It was terrific to see you again. Early in the morning I love riding my bicycle down the Potomac River to George Washington’s home, Mt. Vernon. Along the way I often see bald eagles and cormorants. For the last few mornings, though, I’ve had the great pleasure of a close encounter with you! To us humans it is interesting that white-tailed deer have an unwritten rule that they must run directly in the path of moving objects, be they cars, motorcycles, or bicycles. Our close call this morning proves that, although you’re very beautiful, you’re still a deer.
The big hill halfway to my destination is challenging to climb, but a joy to glide down. I love picking up speed, the forest thick on both sides and the frogs and cicadas singing. As I was at top speed, it was a nice surprise to see you this morning just in front of me, a few feet to the left. I suppose running directly into my path, causing me to swerve into the forest and injure myself, was your way of showing friendliness. You’re so dear!
Since I return to Malawi tomorrow, I wondered why such a close encounter with a wild animal had never happened to me in Africa. After all, white-tailed deer look a lot like impala, waterbuck, nyala, bushbuck, or any of the other antelopes. You must all be genetic sisters and brothers, correct?
White-tailed deer look a lot like impala, waterbuck, nyala, bushbuck, or any of the other antelopes. You must all be genetic sisters and brothers, correct?
I can just hear your dear deer laugh in response to my silly question. Nope. “Antelope and deer aren’t even in the same animal family.” Who knew?
Deer and antelopes are both even-toes ungulates (what a great word!) and herbivores, but the similarities end rapidly. One easy way to tell the difference is what they wear on their heads. Both sexes of antelopes have horns. They are permanent and used for defense. In contrast, only male deer have antlers, which fall off in the winter and regrow each spring. Antlers are used to impress potential mates.
If you have ever been on an African safari, it’s clear that speed also differentiates deer and antelopes. Deer are slower. They can run up to 35 mph, but only for short distances. Antelopes can outrun big predators (lions and cheetahs), at least temporarily. Impala clock in at 55 mph, much faster than you crazy deer.
The markings on deer and antelopes are different, too. Antelopes have white stripes on both sides of their snout, linking their eyes and nose. Deer don’t. The 43 species of deer are found in the Americas and Asia, while the 91 species of antelopes are in Africa and Asia. Neither deer nor antelopes are native to Australia. Who knew?
So, dear deer, thank you for the close encounter this morning. I was pleased to see you appear with your head gear that looks like a spear. Be clear that the next bicycle rider you come near may not be in low gear and steer clear. But never fear. I made that decision and look what I received in return, a scraped up leg and unhappy bicycle. Next time we’re socially near, please think about your distant peers the antelopes and stand clear. Skittish and scared, the likelihood of them being hit by a car or bicycle is zero…..or near. It was a delight to finally meet, but please let’s not do it again soon. Cheers!
Your friend,
doug
