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Deer Overboard!

Discussion

12 replies
Posted by John Mumaw on June 2, 2011 at 5:04 PM
Deer Overboard!
I was doing a survey job near the shores of Lake Nighthorse near Durango when I heard a splash not too far away. The deer that had been browsing 200 yards away from me earlier had jumped into the lake and was swimming to the opposite shore. I couldn't believe it...is this common behavior? I've never seen the like before!

And of course, this raises the question...why did the deer cross the lake? :razz:

I'm sure glad I always carry a camera on my belt (Canon G11).

And this is a good time to say 'Thanks!' for all of the wonderful comments and suggestions on my 'Desert Solitaire' post. I appreciate it more than you know. :cool:
Posted by John Mumaw on June 2, 2011 at 5:05 PM
A zoomed in view.
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 2, 2011 at 6:56 PM
Did he jump? Or was he pushed?

I've seen elk swimming in relatively shallow lakes, and of course moose, but ain't seen nothing like this! Cool grab, John.
Posted by Soubhik Patranabis on June 2, 2011 at 7:59 PM
Never seen anything like this :eek:
Posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 2, 2011 at 8:01 PM
Hi, John - I've seen elk, moose, and deer swimming in deep water to get to the opposite shore. It's usually in the later evening, which is why we likely miss it most of the time. No reason they can't swim, although hooves are not very efficient paddles.
Sandy
Posted by Jackson Frishman on June 2, 2011 at 8:58 PM
I saw a couple deer swim across the Yampa River once, but in that case they didn't have the option of walking to the other side. Curious to see one just jump in. You never know, maybe he just enjoys swimming.
Posted by Craig Myers on June 3, 2011 at 12:52 AM
There's a great poem by Robert Frost, "The Most of It," that describes a scene such as you've captured. Very cool.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on June 3, 2011 at 8:38 AM
Who knew?! Thanks for posting this, John.
Posted by Dave Showalter` on June 3, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Deer, moose, elk are all good swimmers - it would be cool to see all four legs from underwater, wouldn't it?
Posted by Phillip Noll on June 3, 2011 at 3:20 PM
This is what happens when a bunch of deer get together for a day of boating on the lake and drink too much beer! He should have been wearing a life jacket! :biggrin:
Posted by Jon LaBass on June 3, 2011 at 5:05 PM
I didn't know deer swam, but then again I shouldn't be surprised since I witnessed a bison herd swim across a river in Yellowstone a couple years back. If bison can swim, why can't deer?
Posted by Morris McClung on June 4, 2011 at 8:40 PM
I've seen photos elsewhere, but I have never seen it myself. Cool shots, John.
Posted by Stan Rose on June 5, 2011 at 12:53 AM
i think you should blur its head and claim its Nessie