As four inches of snow fell, a squirrel braved snow on its head to gather sunflower seeds, and deer tried to get scattered corn before it was covered. I was surprised how the deer let me walk back and forth scattering corn with them staying just 20 feet away. 
EclipseThey must be accustomed to others scattering corn in the neighborhood. I knew some of them were no longer running when I drove in, got out, slammed the door, and walked inside. I knew some would eat at the living room window feeder with me in the living room. But I had never walked boldly toward them to grab a noisy bag of corn, open the bag and walk toward them streaming corn. They knew what was happening. They circled behind me to get corn 20 feet in my wake. They took quick steps when I got closer than 20 feet but didn’t leave. I avoided looking at them for fear that would seem predatory. I’ll try looking at them eventually to see how they react.
I heard of a man who could hand-feed deer in the Ely area, so 20 feet is nothing to brag about. But I was surprised by their trust and understanding.
This morning was near full eclipse of the moon. In my haste, I didn’t set the camera right, but the picture gives an idea what it looked like.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center