I’ve been noticing a lot more deer in the Cedar Rapids area lately. Not just on the outskirts of town or in the fields and forests. I’m talking about in the city. Like right next door. It’s not that unusual of course. I recall years ago moving into a new area outside Madison, Wisconsin and frequently seeing deer in the new subdivision that was then our home, and not theirs anymore.

But it’s been quite a different experience seeing so many deer in highly populated areas within the city limits of Cedar Rapids. And while many parts of these areas are heavily wooded, it is also quite “humanly” developed. Homes on paved streets, with curbs, sidewalks…and cars. On numerous occasions I have stepped on the brakes while traveling the southeast area of town, most recently in the vicinity of 34th St and Bever Ave. I’ve also spotted deer around Brucemore and off Cottage Grove Rd. It could be the same family of deer. But they sure do get around.

Over the holiday weekend I was at Squaw Creek Gardner Golf course, hitting a bucket of balls at the driving range when a deer strolled out into the open field around the 150 marker. I motioned to the duffer next to me (who was hitting the ball pretty well) and asked him what would you call it if you hit the deer? A Doe-in-One? He chuckled and kept on swinging. I went back to working on my short game, so no deer were harmed or injured on my watch.

Which leads me to my point. Not long ago, I complained in a blog that I am still a bit of slow-mover behind the wheel, being new to town. So I go the speed limit and not much more on surface streets. Of course this drives tailgaters a little crazy. But when I recently hit the brakes to avoid hitting a family of deer on a Cedar Rapids side street, you would have thought that I committed one (or more) of the seven deadly sins. The car behind me honked at me and gestured me to “get going”. At least he didn’t indicated to me that I was a “number one”.

Nevertheless, I still move slowly on the streets of Cedar Rapids. I’ve even had to slow down as I pull out of the driveway. Just the other morning this family of deer were breakfasting on the FRONT LAWN where I live! No doubt they enjoy Cedar Rapids as much as I do since I’ve moved here.

photo: M. Ferris
photo: M. Ferris
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