Hi, Deer!

Living in a rural area has many advantages, including being one with nature and embracing a relatively quiet life. It also presents an opportunity to see shy creatures like this majestic beast with a unique "headgear." This is why hidden cameras have become heaven-sent these days!

But what are those things stuck in a deer's head? They are called antlers, which require a great deal of energy to grow. According to Mississippi State University, these interesting headpieces, which only the males have, are often used against predators. While these animals are relatively peaceful creatures, they can use them when they are trapped.

The Face Of A Fierce Bear

This sight is enough to scare us, even if this was only taken by a hidden cam. Bears generally don't harm nor eat humans, unlike the common misconception. However, when provoked, they could attack us, especially in their habitat, such as the wilderness.

This might be a bluff charge, which is when bears try to scare humans or other creatures. The beast will try to look intimidating by pulling itself up and having its ears and head forward. If this happens, people shouldn't run away because this may prompt the animal to charge and attack, so instead, slowly back away from the scene. 

Snow White Probably Called Them

This reminds us of an invited guest that was the last to arrive at the party, and all eyes were on that person. These deer must have been distracted by the flash of the camera that they all looked toward the object, something that we don't see every day.

More than this, it is amazing how they flocked to one spot at night! This leaves us to ask: did Snow White invite them to the woods? Peta even dubbed the Disney princess as an anti-speciesist for her ability to somehow communicate with the animals from the woods and seemed to be vegan. 

Otter On The Run

Otters are cute creatures that we mostly see on TV, and that's because they are shy and tend to avoid human interactions despite being active all year round. They are mostly found near rivers and lakes because they source their food from bodies of water. This guy may have thought it was sneaky enough to go unnoticed as it went for a snack, but the trail cam caught it at the perfect time.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, river otters have physical features like webbed feet and slender bodies that make them swim better. They can stay underwater for several minutes so that they can hunt efficiently. 

Hedwig Strikes

In the "Harry Potter" franchise, Hedwig, the titular character's owl messenger, loves to nibble on his master's ears or fingers as a sign of affection. We wonder if this flying bird was teasing its deer companion, just like in the movies.

Kidding aside, there is no wonder if our readers were also as surprised as us when they saw this owl's legs. As per ABCBirds, the creatures actually have long pins, which help them fly because of how thin and delicate they are. It all boils down to weight centralization, which promotes optimum flying for these relatively nocturnal and mysterious animals. 

Fight Of The Century?

There is chaos in this photo: on one side, two giant eagles are fighting, while on the other, a spectator that couldn't care less can be found perched. What's mind-blowing was how the camera managed to capture these birds in one frame, especially since these creatures usually fly away at the sight of humans.

Nature Mapping Foundation notes that bald eagles are commonly found in North America, specifically near lakes and rivers where there are lots of fish. They are considered both a predator and scavengers as they prey on small birds and fish but also eat scraps of dead salmon. 

Poor Deer

What do forest animals have against deer? The creatures seem to have beef with the ruminant mammals that they can't stop attacking them, especially at night. Here we have a flying squirrel mid-flight, seemingly landing on the poor animal's head.

On the other hand, flying squirrels are beautiful creatures capable of flying from 60 feet. They can easily change the angle or direction by flapping their tails and positioning their bodies and legs. They also know the proper position to land, so we rarely see them crashing hard. They reach the ground with their face up and immediately run for the trees.

The Star Of The Show

Now, this isn't something that we see every day. While the trail cam caught the majestic deer grazing, this raccoon suddenly popped out of the lens. It is safe to say that if somebody were monitoring the animals' movements, they would be shocked to have seen this guy on the screen.

The creature's name comes from the word "aroughcun," meaning an "animal that scratches with its hands," according to Mental Floss. Yes, raccoons are skilled in rummaging through gardens and garbage, as many of us would know from experience. Their faces also seem to look like they are wearing masks, but the black fur helps them see better.

Peace, Not War

These giant lizards, commonly called monitor lizards, probably had a rough day and figured they needed a hug to get by. However, the truth is far from our predictions! Although this seems to show how affectionate the creatures are toward each other, they were actually wrestling!

Giant lizards are known for "hugging" each other when they fight, but they push each other so one would lose their balance. They could do this for hours, which means they have extreme endurance and strength in standing on their hind legs. These guys may be sorting out something, and the camera just caught them at the right time and place.

We've Had Too Much To Eat

Oh, what a happy day for these raccoons, who lay so full underneath a malfunctioning deer feeder; just look at those round bellies! These contraptions are heaven-sent for hunters but nightmares for deers. Still, we can't imagine how these bandit-masked animals must have felt after their feast!

According to National Geographic, raccoons mostly eat water creatures such as fish, crabs, and frogs. However, they also raid nests for eggs; and as we have experienced, they munch on scraps from the trash, and that's because they love veggies and fruits, too. Their average lifespan in the wild is only two to three years, so it pays to be kind to them.

Mother Of The Year Award

Motherhood can be a daunting journey, and this doesn't exclude animals. This fox, for instance, was caught feeding her babies even though she looked tired. The truth is they are doting moms for two weeks and rely on their mates to bring food for them. If something bad happens to the mister, she would be the one to hunt but wouldn't forget about her youngsters.

But if their mate lives, they usually raise their children together, teaching them essential hunting skills. Her facial expression tells us that she had a rough day, but nobody can stop her from nursing her little ones.

Cat-Ching A Ride

This is quite an odd pairing in the wilderness, but Wildlife ACT, a conservation group, spotted this rare sight through their camera traps in South Africa in 2014. They never expected a wild cat to catch a ride on a buffalo, baffling the group because they didn't understand the behavior.

One buffalo was irritated by the agile being that it shook the small creature off its body, while this one didn't care about the free ride. These cat-like animals are called genets, which seem like domestic felines but feature long bodies, a black stripe on the spine, and ringed tails. 

Who Wins?

Coyotes have always been featured as the bad guys, but who is this creature kidding in this snapshot? Even though it was outnumbered, it didn't back down. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to scare any of the deer away, and instead, they looked unimpressed by it.

Coyotes may look like domestic dogs, but the difference lies in their tail appearance. The wild ones have downward and bushy tails even when they are on the run. They hunt rabbits and rats, but they also eat fruits and vegetables, which is why some garden owners will chance upon them nibbling on some fresh produce. 

Camera-Pecker

What kind of humans would like to be watched 24/7? Similarly, some creatures aren't okay with being filmed when they are minding their own business. This woodpecker obviously didn't like that a trail camera was catching everything happening and decided to take matters into its own tiny hands.

Hence, the owner of the gadget found the device destroyed, looking as if somebody used a pointy object to stab the lens. Unsurprisingly, they found the culprit after they saw that this was the last photo taken. Woodpeckers are great at drilling into the trunk, and they have shock-absorbent tissue on their skulls. 

Half-Rhino, Half-Tiger

At first glance, this terrifying beast seems to have come out of an animated movie because where else would we see a creature that's half tiger and half another being? Taken by a cam trail in India, this snapshot shows a wild feline that just cooled off in the mud.

Because of the scorching heat, animals often coat themselves with mud, which also acts as insect-repellent. Of course, humans have air-conditioning units these days, but in ancient times, they also used to rub chalk soil on their bodies to release heat. They would let this sit for a couple of hours before they took a bath. 

Ride Of A Lifetime

Smaller feet would mean smaller steps, which would also mean a longer travel time. The key here is to find a way to cut the trip short. This raccoon, then, is a genius for hopping on a hog's back, seemingly commanding the big animal in which direction to take.

Yet another odd pairing in the wild, both creatures are nocturnal animals, which means they are active at night. Boars are generally shy but could also pose risks to humans if provoked when they wander in urban areas. However, it is worth noting that they will only attack if they feel threatened or cornered. 

Thanksgiving Feast For Deer

This family of deer looked directly at the lens as if saying they were distracted while having a feast. Speaking of this buffet, it seems like they were enjoying a banquet, pretty much how we would gather around the table during Thanksgiving.

Deer may be active in the morning, but they can see better at night. According to New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the mammals have excellent eyesight, thanks to the rods on their eyes, which are likened to a camera's aperture. They also have a tissue called tapetum lucidum, which is why they have glowing eyes whenever light hits their peepers. 

Dancing With The Bears

Again, if anyone thought that these polar bears were hugging or dancing, they were wrong. These wild beasts seem to be fighting, although we have no idea why. Just like their brown counterparts, these white beings, only found in snow-covered places, also engage in physical fights standing up.

Their biped stance, of course, would make any human run for their life. According to Media Drum World, this pose doesn't always mean that they are fighting. There are times when young male adults socialize through this behavior. Unfortunately, because of global warming, we might see fewer pictures of these majestic creatures. 

Stop, You're Tickling Me!

In an ideal world, we would like to imagine that this deer was tickling his best raccoon pal under an automatic feeder. However, it would seem that the bigger creature was attacking the smaller one, and it is safe to say that the former was winning.

Of course, there have been stories where these beings become the best of pals. In August 2022, The Dodo reported the story of an orphaned raccoon who formed a unique and adorable bond with rescued deer in a sanctuary. However, the creature was especially close to a fawn that they named Hope, who also lost her mom when she was young. 

Posing Wacky For A Few Laughs

There's nothing wrong with the elements of photography present in this snapshot: the focus is on the subject, the background is blurred for emphasis on the animal, and the contrast is on point. Everything is perfect--except for the deer sticking its tongue out as if it understood that it needed to do a wacky pose!

There are many reasons deer stick their tongue out, sometimes because it helps in their grazing and feeding. However, those suffering from fever also manifest this behavior, especially if the infection had gotten so bad. As such, we earnestly hope this subject was fine when this shot was taken. 

How To Climb A Tree

Bears can't climb trees: this is a common misconception that can get anyone in dangerous situations. During attacks, the first instinct is to climb a tree, thinking the beasts wouldn't get us there, but bears, particularly black ones, are adept at reaching the top.

This is possible because they have powerful claws that make them agile and strong at climbing. They descend with their hind legs first, unlike some animals that descend head first. As such, this mom was probably just teaching or encouraging its kids how to climb a tree or leave claw marks to become a territorial signpost.

Grooming Sesh

Just like cats, deer also groom one another. This precious moment shows two mammals being comfortable enough with each other that they allow grooming. According to White Tails Unlimited, these animals commonly lick the shoulders and neck area to maintain bonds and connection among one another.

Along the way, deer also remove their kind's external parasites and poop that got stuck in these areas. Now, we wonder if they ever need baths because they are basically cleaning each other. In cats, it is said that they only groom other feline buddies with whom they like and are close, especially in a multi-pet household.

The Mighty Bird Battle

How lucky are we to have seen this picture of these giant birds with their wings spread so wide? It seems they are battling it out for this fallen branch, so what is up with that thing? Eagles, for instance, don't always fight with their kind as they are known to exist peacefully with other birds.

However, due to territorial disputes, bald eagles can get physical. According to NPR, fights usually start with vocalization and circling, which are forms of threats and signals for the other animal to back away. The battles can get so intense that they could lead to injury or death. 

Logan's First Form?

This is a wee-bit terrifying to see in the flesh because we don't exactly know what it is: is it a weasel, a dirty teddy bear, or a wolverine? We're going with the last choice because it's doubtful that an inanimate object can stand on its hind legs.

This leaves us asking, could this be Logan's first form before he became the mighty Wolverine in the DC movies? This seemingly cuddly creature may seem harmless, but it is considered ferocious because it can quickly eat rodents and rabbits. They also have strong noses that can smell a dead animal from 20 feet.

Big Boss Is Here

The lion may be considered the king of the jungle, but we dare say that the moose also comes in second, at least in areas where these majestic beasts are located. A moose, whose scientific name is Alces Alces, can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds and typically grow between five and six and a half feet, making it the biggest in the deer family.

We can mostly see them in cold areas and they thrive in snowy places, thanks to their thick hooves that help them walk. During warmer seasons, they swim for miles to keep their body temperature low. 

Let It Snow

It's a raccoon party! One from this group figured out how the deer feeder operates and let it snow with food! Although they were initially thought to be okay in solitude, studies have found that they do travel in small groups of four or five to protect themselves from predators.

Although some people keep raccoons as pets, several rescue groups have advised against keeping them indoors because they can be temperamental, meaning they can be aggressive or docile at times. These anti-social creatures are known to sleep for longer periods during colder months, which is why they lose a lot of weight during winter.

There's Always That One Clumsy Friend

We don't know what happened with the deer on the left but it would seem like it was falling! This snapshot can make anyone laugh, but on a darker note, was the animal suffering from something more sinister than clumsiness? Could it be what was called the "zombie deer" disease?

Formally called chronic wasting disease, the zombie deer illness may manifest symptoms in a few months after an animal is infected. Signs of this include stumbling, lack of leg coordination, aggression, weight loss, and drooling. This said, could this animal be suffering from this? We hope not because if it was, these two other creatures may have also been infected. 

No Escaping The Flying Squirrel

This action shot is enough to let viewers feel how terrified the deer was during this time. By the looks of it, the flying squirrel yet again hopes to strike another hapless victim. They may look like bats in the dark, but because of the special membrane attached to the body, we would say that this isn't a bat.

Flying squirrels can glide from tree to tree because of this feature. They also have big, round eyes that make them extra adorable, but they have a double purpose. Their peepers enable them to see better at night because they can collect more light. 

What'Cha Lookin' At?

Is this giant feline mad, or what? Taken at the Natural History Museum of Geneva in Switzerland, this isn't a real, live cheetah looking directly at a camera. Instead, this is the animal's taxidermy, which refers to preserving a deceased creature's body.

Plus, it would be nearly impossible to get a chance to be up this close to a cheetah because they can run well. The species is considered the fastest land animal as it can run up to 70 miles per hour, attaining this speed in just three seconds. That's because of the claws that don't retract when the creature is moving.

Meeting On Point

It's rare to spot wild porcupines in the open, with two seemingly having a conversation! Well, nobody dared to join in because they might get poked. On a serious note, the quills, or the pointy things on their bodies, typically measure two to three inches.

These quills aren't shot, just like what we see on TV. Instead, they would quickly come off from the porcupine's body when there's a threat present because the points are just lightly attached. Well, porcupines are great climbers, too, so they can always head to the trees whenever a predator is around to avoid being cornered. 

This Tastes... Weird

No, this is not a dog wanting to be booped but a curious deer whose nose and mouth were perfectly captured by this trail cam. Have you ever given thought to this mammal's mouth? The front section has eight teeth at the bottom, used to break and grab food, while the back part is for chewing and grinding food.

According to WondeerfulFarm, deer don't have upper front pearly whites but just a rough pad, and this setup works well for them. Just like humans, fawns have milk pearlies before permanent ones appear. Yes, their mouths are weird, but they may have a nice set because they consume veggies. 

A Smelly Photo

Here is a photo that we hope we don't see in person. Many of us already know that this is a skunk's behind, and this mere sight is enough to drive a crowd away. They often release a foul-smelling odor when there's a predator nearby, and the little creatures would do a little dance first to try to intimidate their enemy.

Best believe that skunks can spray for as far as ten feet away. The pungent smell can last for a few days to weeks, and people who were not even sprayed can still detect the scent from a mile away! 

Buck Standing Tall

How hard is it for animals to survive in the wilderness? This deer seems to have suffered a lot because of the injuries on its hind legs, and we can only surmise that the other animal with glowing eyes was the culprit. But then again, this is just a part of the food chain.

It seems that a coyote, which is an omnivore,  attacked this deer, and while it is smaller than its prey, it could run for up to 40 miles per hour when chasing its food. Interestingly, the canine is a very vocal creature, often howling, yelping, squealing, barking, and growling.

Girl's Protectant

This image sent chills down our spines because who would ever see a girl totally undisturbed by wild creatures? Deer are timid animals that always avoid interactions with humans, but in this shot, it would seem that they were protecting the little one.

When this trail cam picture made the rounds on the internet, it became the talk of the town, with some saying it was fake while others claimed it was a ghost. Speaking of this, we remember the legend of the Ghost Deer in Mt. Eddy in California, and hunters claimed they had shot right through this mystical creature.

Time To Be Elegant

No, this is something that baffled us, too! Just like other animals, this deer became taller when it stood up, but who knew they become biped at times? While this creature seems majestic for this pose, experts say that they usually do this whenever an enemy is nearby.

We may not see its opponent but this fighting stance is enough to tell us it was gearing up for a big fight. However, according to Scientific American, bipedality can also mean that they were about to lean on a tree trunk to reach a branch or to browse for food in higher places.

Blep

This is a clearer shot of a deer sticking its tongue out, leaving us an opportunity to examine the nose, too. There's a good chance that this animal wasn't teasing the photographer and onlookers, but it was just captured licking its nose, a standard behavior among the species.

It may sound gross to us humans, but this actually has a practical purpose: a deer's long tongue licks its nose in order to keep it wet. A moist snout would mean more scent particles will stick to it, thereby improving this sense. This then helps them detect predators and hunters nearby. 

Tag, You're It!

Taken in Finland, this photo seems to show two bears playing tag. However, these male adults were fighting about something we don't know. Perhaps, they were fighting for a female companion that is receptive to a mate. They are known for rubbing their backs on tree trunks to let other bears know they are there.

Although these are massive creatures, grizzlies actually don't eat that much. However, they tend to eat almost anything, from berries to moose and mice, in the months leading to winter, when they sleep most of the time. In this phase called hyperphagia, they gain around three pounds a day.

Such A Stylish Moose

This looks like a hybrid of a moose and a cow because of the unique skin coat, but this is actually a piebald moose taken in 2012 in Falher, Alberta. Some may mistake them for the albino kind but pied ones have spotted coats, which makes them beautiful and special.

There have been sightings of completely white moose from hooves to antlers in Sweden and Alaska in previous years, baffling onlookers. However, experts explained that this might not be a result of albinism but rather results from a genetic mutation. It's more common to see this species in a brown coat. 

Jacob And The Gang

Anyone who has seen the vampire franchise "Twilight" will understand our reference: this wolf in front seems to resemble Jacob in his animal form. It seems they were looking at the gadget they didn't know was capturing them for humans to see up close.

They resemble domestic dogs but are bigger as they can grow up to five feet from head to tail. While wolves are known for howling, which is depicted as something terrifying in horror movies, this is a form of communication. Because they have formed strong bonds with their pack, they let out this sound to call them. 

What A Fruitful Morning

While many people fear being eaten by bears during an encounter, they prefer fresh fish, just like this grizzly that got its meal from a nearby body of water. While they are solitary creatures, they have been observed with their kids in fishing spots in Alaska, where salmon is abundant during summer.

It is essential to eat as much fat as possible before winter because this will help their bodies survive throughout the hibernation period. During this time, female bears give birth to cubs, frequently to twins, which will find warmth in their mother's thick wool until they can go out. 

Pig Hybrid?

This is terrifying, maybe to urban dwellers, but this is not a pig with deformities. It is actually a tapir, which resembles the body of a boar but has an elongated head and extended nose and lips. This species is also herbivore and often stays in bodies of water to cool off or dive under for aquatic plants.

They feed in the morning and evening and play an essential role in the ecosystem. Once they defecate, they also leave seeds, which will grow to become food again. The biggest tapir can be found in Southeast Asia, growing up to 800 pounds. 

It's A Wild Party

It is not every day that we see deer being comfortable around humans. And while this looks like the guy was having a party with his animal companion, the truth is nothing like that. In a series of a compilation of trail cam shots by William Harper, this man named Jakob was helping his friend to reach the branch.

In most states in America, it is illegal to keep a deer in the home. According to PetKeen, they may sometimes become aggressive, even if a homeowner raised the animals as fawns. Animal protection will interfere if they have a wind that a person has a deer for a pet. 

The Big Vs. The Small

Again, a buck and what seemed to be a coyote was fighting to survive. In most cases of hunting, coyotes will surround a deer and start to attack the rear end of the target, hoping to dismember its hind legs. Their goal is to immobilize the prey by bursting the bladder, which will then allow them to feast on their food.

This is why the fawn population is decreasing, and experts have noticed that coyotes are getting smarter at hunting fawns. Scientists have observed that the predators somehow study how a mom deer acts whenever it has a baby nearby. 

Magical Or Not?

Fireworks and deer are two things that make for a beautiful scene, but in reality, this is far from what's happening. Sure, the display is lovely, with all the colors in the sky, but people forget how this moment of merriment can lead to anxiety and distress among animals, including deer.

Dogs and cats have been known to express anxious behaviors during fireworks shows because of the loud sounds. This also has the same effect on deer, but worse. Because they are in the wilderness, they become disoriented and run to places they shouldn't be, including roads, searching for a quiet area.

Mountain Lion In Action

Is this something out of an action movie? Just by looking at this snapshot, we feel how intense it was for the animals, especially the deer. The mountain lion, also called the deer tiger, doesn't have the best sense of smell, but they have the best eyes and ears to use when hunting.

They also have powerful hind legs that make it easy for them to chase after their prey. According to National Geographic, mountain lions often eat deer, especially in North America. They don't finish their meal in one go and would "cache" it until they return to munch on it for a few days.