First breath, first steps in little-seen wildlife world

The encounter started when a deer appeared in a backyard garden, just as occurs every day for most anyone who lives near open space, parks or forests.

But this time was different, said Al Schoenstein, who spotted the deer last week from his back deck. “I noticed right away that she looked real heavy,” he said.

Al’s wife, Dorothea, went on alert, ready to shoo the deer away from eating her flowers and plants.

Instead, the deer did not nibble or browse, the Schoensteins said, and it did not snort, paw or demonstrate any fear toward them. The deer instead walked closer, calm and deliberate, behind a garden shed.