Family of Mule Deer with Their Young One

 

Yesterday was snowing off and on in spite the weather forecast promised that the day would be partially cloudy and at the beginning of the day it was cloudy with just a few snow flakes that weren't a big deal and I decided to explore the long wide road that leads south from the Garr Ranch (Antelope Island). 

In a few minutes I saw how the pack of seven Mule deer started to cross he road heading to the field. 

At some point the male and the female deer started to run to the field and I thought that they would soon disappear but I was wrong.

Another male deer running to the field to join others.  He has GPS collar around his neck that helps the wildlife biologists to track the deer and help them to stay healthy especially in winter.  

My first encounter with a very young Mule deer.  When he was born he already had a full fur and his eyes were open.  He could stand within minutes of being born and walk within a few hours but he wasn't strong yet and was very vulnerable for the first couple of weeks for predators like coyotes.

Right now he is a young teenager who isn't strong enough and still vulnerable but his parents always are near him and ready to protect him.

This isn't a great photo of the male Mule deer, I "cut off" his antlers just a little bit but I like this moment and how the deer is staring at me trying to figure out am I a danger for his young ones.

Generally, life is good!