Odocoileus virginianus – the whitetail deer – is the largest native animal seen on campus and likely the largest terrestrial animal most people see in Rhode Island, barring a chance encounter with a truly bewildering bear.
Whitetails are extremely common in nearly all parts of North America and have a significant population in South America. These generalist herbivores have done quite well adapting to this changing world despite their ongoing tragic encounters with headlights.
For most people without a podcast, a deer sighting is much more welcome than a face-off with a terrifying bear. These critters can truly be admired in nature without fear of their hooves doing anything too crazy to your earthly body. I wouldn’t feel too safe, though. It is important to remember that they are both heavier and faster than you and won’t hesitate to bite or trample you if given the chance. In the world of ungulates, the hoof giveth and the hoof taketh.
Deer are extremely alert. Although overly cautious and, in some cases, detrimentally anxious, they find some sanctuary in forested areas across our continents. Sometimes, at the edge of those forests, the deer learn the untold horrors of suburban life. I do not know of any creature more in favor of walkable cities than deer.
It can be easy to be scared of the unknown. It can be even scarier to be faced with threats you know to be real. I cannot help but feel a tiny hint of guilt when I look into the eyes of a deer, and only for my fellow mammal to respond with fear. I really can’t blame us or the deer for this troubling interaction. We are extremely efficient and effective at hunting deer. Deer have fed and continue to feed many humans. We have hunted whitetails for as long as we have been living amongst them. To survive, they must be afraid of us.
I wonder if we can ever break this paradigm, if we can deprogram evolutionary instincts for the sake of peace. Although I see a utopia, this peace must be fragile. Once this trust is broken, we can never go back. Forgiveness, although powerful, means nothing to the gene pool.
I wonder if Bambi could forgive. Why would he? Man showed no mercy. Why befriend John Doe when you have to protect your Faline?
Even when you break reality and venture into speculation, the laws of nature can still pull you back. I’ve tried to give myself grace and end my grief over a potential friendship deferred. But I cannot imagine a world where forgiveness is appropriate.
Maybe you can. Maybe you can find humanity, to pick up the pieces given to us by the forces of biology and find harmony in the genuine good it does. The same brain that is programmed to hate can love. We must believe in this. It is our choice to see how far we can extend and apply our humanity.
This is the purpose of the deer. Their presence is known, their fear is known and now this challenge I bestow upon you is known. It is okay if you fail. I won’t blame you. I just want you to try. I promise that when you look for beauty, no matter where you are, you will find it.
Given the great abundance of whitetails in this area, your next and most important encounter with one is sooner than you may think. Whether you bear witness to a deer on the perimeter of the North Woods, going down Flagg Road or anywhere else on campus, remember your mission. When you discover what lies beyond fear, will you welcome it?
