The first time seeing these two was on May 4, 2018, when a friend and I were out and about photographing at Chassahowitizka WMA. Even though it was impossible to tell who the daughter, sibling, or mother was, for us, it really didn’t matter. We are getting photographs of two beautiful white-tailed deer!
We also weren’t sure what transpired to the doe with the torn ears. By looking at them, she could have been attacked when she was a fawn, or possibly she was born with split ears.
I often think about her when I visit Chassahowitzka WMA and I never in my life thought I would see her again until that one faithful day on October 30, 2022.
When I had stopped to text my husband, I looked up at the right moment to see a deer crossing the road. I drove a few feet forward, parked, and got out of my car to see if I could find her in the brush.
Yep, she was there, and then she wasn’t! She completely hid behind the saw palmettos!
I hear more movement, and see her peaking behind the scrub oaks!
I think she was either curious or felt that I was not of any harm, and she slowly came out into the opening.
Once I saw her ears, I was in awe. I can’t believe it was her! She is still here! I scanned around her to see if the other doe was with her, but didn’t see her. She could have been around but was further ahead or even behind me. A few moments later I noticed movement in the brush behind her, and then I saw him.
What a wonderful surprise! After 4 years and 5 months, she is still strong, healthy, and with her family. How awesome is that!
Be safe and your travels.
Categories: Nature Photography, Sandhill Habitiats
Florida Nature 
What an incredible experience!
I’m always amazed at how such relatively large animals can “disappear” before my very eyes. The fact that you found this same doe is really a special event.
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