Saw huge numbers of deer yesterday, grazing safely in a nature reserve, an idyllic location. Most were in herds, some keeping close together, others in groups spread wider afield. Some were alert to every sound and movement while others ignored us watching them and taking photos.
Walking on, we came across a solitary deer by the waterside who, though keeping a wary eye on us, allowed us to get quite close, till a man with a dog approached and at the sight of the dog the deer bolted.
But still further on, a young deer with antlers was peacefully hoovering up dropped berried from the path and allowed us to move really near, and then nearer. It was only when I was close enough to have reached out a hand and touched him that he raised his head and looked directly at me, with a trace of fear.
What makes some animals, and some people, more trusting than others or more fearful? What makes some young children rush up to people, ask their names and chat to them straight away, while others hide and get shy even with people they know well?
On the face of it, all those deer were from the same herd, living in the same protected area, safe from predators, but some were clearly expecting trouble and fearing the worst and others hadn't a care in the world.
Walking on, we came across a solitary deer by the waterside who, though keeping a wary eye on us, allowed us to get quite close, till a man with a dog approached and at the sight of the dog the deer bolted.
But still further on, a young deer with antlers was peacefully hoovering up dropped berried from the path and allowed us to move really near, and then nearer. It was only when I was close enough to have reached out a hand and touched him that he raised his head and looked directly at me, with a trace of fear.
What makes some animals, and some people, more trusting than others or more fearful? What makes some young children rush up to people, ask their names and chat to them straight away, while others hide and get shy even with people they know well?
On the face of it, all those deer were from the same herd, living in the same protected area, safe from predators, but some were clearly expecting trouble and fearing the worst and others hadn't a care in the world.
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