Mule Deer
by Don Balke
Title
Mule Deer
Artist
Don Balke
Medium
Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board
Description
Exploring the colorful Arizona desert on wobbly legs, the Mule Deer fawn playfully investigates a fluttering butterfly. This fawn will not wander far from the protection of its mother however, for the youngster would fall easy prey to the predators of the desert. If an enemy does attack, the mother will fiercely defend her young fawn. The doe will raise up in the air and then angrily stamp her hooves in an attempt to frighten the attacker. If this fails, the doe will try to lure the enemy away by whistling calls and retreating in a circle pattern. During the heat of the day, the doe will hide her infant in the shade of small bushes while she ventures off to feed. At dusk, she will return to her fawn to nurse the infant in the quiet peace of gathering darkness. As the fawn grows older, its dappled coat will fade to light brown, and later to a heavy grey coat as summer turns to winter. Young bucks born the previous spring sprout tender antlers which are covered with a velvety fur. These antlers grow quickly during the summer to crown the handsome buck for the autumn mating season. Later, the antlers will deteriorate and drop. This magnificent animal is easily recognized by its large furry ears that can detect danger at long range. Bounding through the mountains and deserts of Arizona, the Mule Deer is truly one of Nature's most beautiful animals.
Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.
Artwork Copyright © 1983 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB08395
Uploaded
March 23rd, 2022
Embed
Share
Comments
There are no comments for Mule Deer. Click here to post the first comment.