Creatures I’ve Seen So Far

Snakes. SO MANY snakes. Mostly pencil-thin garter snakes but sometimes larger. I yelp and jump out of my skin every time. I did not take any pictures of the snakes, though I did picture them slithering after and attacking like in a MST3K movie as I rushed away.

Deer. SO MANY deer. Once I came around a corner and found myself making direct eye contact with a doe standing in the middle of the trail. It was magical. We stood looking at each other until I ruined the spell by reaching for my phone. Sadly, I haven’t seen as many deer since I started wearing a bear bell.

Thankfully, I haven’t seen any bears.

A porcupine! Which initially I thought was two weird mushrooms growing from the side of the tree. There’s a lot of weird mushrooms protruding from trees so mistaking the quills for a ribbed fungi isn’t that strange, but as I continued walking I was delighted to see a little face. At the time I was quick to take a photo, mistakenly believing porcupines can shoot their quills. A fact I just learned is a myth.

Forest cows. Yes, forest cows. They are new to me, too, but I can confirm they exist. The last portion of today’s segment went through private land and a pasture of cows free to roam the entirety of the property, including the woods. While still in the woods and without knowing I was coming up on a farm, I started seeing cow pies but it didn’t make sense. Then I saw the cows.

Barred owl. I accidentally turned off the main trail onto a connecting loop and before realizing my mistake I spotted the owl, or more like felt its presence. At first its back was to me, then it swiveled its head 90º and then 180º to stare into my soul. I gave my respects and then quietly retreated back to the main trail.