"BAMBO"

Mule Deer (Fawn) - 4 Photos

So what or who is "Bambo"?

Bambo is the result of crossing the names of "Bambi" with "Rambo". And why would you cross a young deer with an action hero? 

From a small elevated dirt path, I spotted a female mule deer in a small grove of trees. Thought I would take the opportunity to grab a few quick photos. Then I noticed she repeatedly looked into the meadow beyond and there was another somewhat larger doe. And then from the back of the second deer, popped a little head and neck who now was completely on his feet. I thought I would have a few moments to take a photo of mother & fawn together before they moved on. 

This was a very small fawn and as Mule Deer does generally have their babies in Alberta in late May/early June, at most the youngster was only a month old or just over if the birth was early May.

Once on his feet, the fawn paused and then sprinted passed Mom (Photo #1), heading into the wide open meadow parallel to the small incline where I was standing. And then when he reached the grassy track packed down by wildlife (deer, coyotes, etc.) used to reach the other woods on the far side, he did an abrupt 90 degree turn and headed directly towards me (Photo #2).

At this point I could hear Mom beginning to bleat, calling out to her fawn but he kept on coming and fast. And then Mom began to sprint after her delinquent youngster. I managed to grab a few very quick close-ups (Photo #3) at the point where the fawn began to climb the small hill and then hastily made the best attempt I could at a rapid retreat, down the incline and into the rocks & grasses below, allowing as much space as I could for both and not making eye contact.

Bambo had finally stopped, looked back & waited for his mother to arrive (Photo #4). And when she did, he let her pass and meekly followed her down into the woods below, the opposite side to where I had taken refuge. 

His Mom had only given me a brief glance with ears relaxed & no huffing, before heading down for which I was very thankful. I have photographed coyotes for several years now but this was probably the most "heart in mouth" few seconds that I've experienced. No one wants to meet up with a protective wildlife mother and although, I had moved a safe distance away and down a hill, you should always anticipate the unexpected.

As for naming this young fawn, "Bambo", I believe gender had to be male to be so bold & independent at such an early age. My only wish for this youngster is that his size quickly catches up to his "Rambo" attitude when he finds himself too far from his mother's protection, if and when a large predator is in the near vicinity. 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4