WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST
While “bushwhacking” through some thick mountain laurel, these 2 startled me; I’m sure I startled them too. The large mountain doe refused to go far from her fawn probably for 2 reasons: (1) Concern for her freshly dropped fawn; & (2) The density of that laurel. It was a pain to move through. I’m betting she sought that thick cover to avoid predation from black bears who are largely responsible for predating these little guys. In any case, this fawn was still wet from being freshly born. A rare find.
May the Forest Be with You,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association