How smart are deer ?

[bobbi-j]

Oh, Sour... That breaks my heart. I think we've all adopted Bucky as "our" deer.

 

[CapricornFarm]

I saw him tonight, and I wish I hadn't. 28 days ago he was a vigorous animal in prime condition. Tonight he was a bone rack - ribs, backbone, hips, shoulder blades all quite evident. I would estimate that he has lost between one third and fifty % of his body mass. We are not supposed to have chronic wasting disease in NJ, but ----------------- Close to 15 years ago a bone rack of a 'ghost' deer showed up on my property. One of his front legs was busted at the elbow and just hanging there. One morning the dog alerted to something on the side yard. I went over, and there he was unable to get up. I called Fish and Wildlife, and they came and took him. They were supposed to call and give me the lab results. Several weeks later after having received no call I called them, and was told that the refrigerator had gone bad and the deer decomposed before he could be tested. They wouldn't lie to me, would they ?

Tonight I was leading a dog in, and he came down a path and stood there looking at me. Generally he is the one to move away, but he just stood there looking at me. I was the one to leave. It was almost as if he were saying goodbye. I expect that I will find his body within the next month or so. Color me sad.

I am so sorry. Nature is a hard master.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

So sad to read this

 

[sourland]

2 + weeks, and I haven't found his body or seen extensive vulture/buzzard activity, but I haven't seen him either. I fear the worst.

 

[drumstick diva]

me too

 

[CapricornFarm]

2 + weeks, and I haven't found his body or seen extensive vulture/buzzard activity, but I haven't seen him either. I fear the worst.

Sorry Sour. No good outcome with that disease.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

And no known treatment either
Very similar to mad cow from what little research I’ve done

 

[007Sean]

Lots of bucks will change their home territory when they mature around 3 years of age. It might have been a different buck? Did he have any distinguishing mark's, color pattern, besides his antlers, which he wouldn't have had when you saw him last.

 

[sourland]

He was/is not a large deer. Easiest means of identification is his apparent lack of fear of me. On the last sighting I broke contact first and walked away from him. Then he stared at me, turned, and slowly walked away. When I last saw him he was debilitated to the point that I doubt he could jump the club fence.

 

[sourland]

The story is over. We had a field trial today, and while brushing for rabbits we found what was left of him. He died only about 30' away from where I last saw him. He may very well have died shortly after I saw him. I know this is just weird, but it is almost like he came to say good bye on the last sighting. I will miss interactions with him, but no longer need to worry about his safety.