STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — They. Are. Everywhere. Striding down the street at 3 a.m., inspecting my shrubbery, and appearing randomly throughout the day with quiet authority while I hike through the Greenbelt.
I speak their name — deer — with respect. With those antlers, their girth and their effortless leaps over six-foot spiky fences, they deserve it. And since deer don’t vote, I figured they were fair game — and a very good distraction after last week’s election.
This mating season, a five- or six-point buck has become such a regular on my walks through Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden that I’ve named him Brad. And I am not afraid. My husband assures me Brad isn’t either — and that he won’t charge.
Moose will, on the other hand. But they haven’t swum across the Arthur Kill to populate us here — yet. Nature lovers say deer don’t see us as a threat. Normally, they’d be hiding. But when you’re super close, they just keep snacking and posing for photos like any food influencer would.
The boldness of Brad and friends
Their unabashed appearances tell me they’re here to multiply during rutting season…