“The animals that touch our lives are precious gifts. They have a depth of which many of us are not aware.”
Claudia Hehr
On this page, you will find interviews with some very special animals and humans on a variety of interesting topics.
Enjoy, and if you know someone who might be interested in any of these interviews, or have a story that they would like to share, please feel free to forward the page, or contact me.
While I was trying to decide on the subject of my first interview, I was surprised to be contacted by some wonderful deer while walking my dog companions one morning. They asked me if I would pass on a message. Of course, I was more than happy to do so. It is now my privilege to share this short, but important message.
Interview with the Deer
Several deer spoke as one to ask if it would be possible for humans to help deer get through the winter by following a few simple suggestions.
As I write these words, it is the end of December and the snow has been on the ground for almost six weeks. The deer said that due to the snow and the cold temperatures, they were already having a hard time staying healthy and, in some cases, even alive. Travelling through deep snow in search of food takes a lot of energy. Also, when deer are being chased or hunted, they often get close to total physical exhaustion. This makes it very difficult for them to stay warm and keep up with the others. In extreme cases, it can even lead to early death.
When I asked the deer what message they wanted me to pass on to you, they answered that it would be so helpful if humans could refrain from coming too close to them. They understand our fascination with them, however, they request that we observe them from a distance and don't try to touch them.
The deer told me that in the past they had been chased or hunted by humans on foot, on bikes, on skis and, in some very horrible cases, on skidoos and in cars and trucks.
The deer mentioned that they had lost loved ones in situations like this. While most of the humans who participated in these events were laughing, celebrating and having a good time, the deer were running and fighting for their lives. These humans didn't understand that because of their activities, deer were often left mourning a family member, and that their young sometimes died because their mothers were not able to come back to them.
The deer said that it would be helpful if we kept our distance. When I asked for further clarification, they stressed that when they are approached by us and they start to walk away, we should use this as an indication that the deer no longer feel safe. We have entered their comfort zone, and they would appreciate it if we could either walk in a different direction, or give them time to move away at a safe and easy pace.
It's beautiful to watch deer run. After all, it appears as though they do so with such ease. The bigger scenario paints a much different picture. Deer run to escape what they fear in order to protect themselves. Fear releases adrenaline which stresses the body. The deer require all their reserves to survive harsh seasons, and any extra pressure from humans only exacerbates their already stressed condition. Just as we all have our own comfort zones in which we feel safe, so do the animals.
The deer also wanted me to tell you that they do not wish to avoid all contact with humans. On the contrary, some humans are wonderful to them. However, right now it's very important for them to focus their energy on making it through the winter ... and to do so with as little extra stress as possible.
Please consider the deer's requests and be sympathetic to what they must endure, especially in the winter. On behalf of the deer and myself, thank you so much for your understanding.
Note: Just a couple of days after this conversation took place, I saw a gathering of at least 20 deer not too far away from me while I was walking with my dog family. The deer reminded me to please pass on their request, and I promised that I would.
ARCHIVES - Read previous "interviews" in our "archives" section.
