Frozen: Red-brocket Deer

The Red-brocket Deer is quite a champion when it comes to freeze-at-the-spot.

Red-brocket Deers are solitary mammals. Quite often I have seen them grazing near or on the airstrip. They also like to wander a little bit inside the jungle. When noticed their best defense is either take a short fast sprint into the nearest dense bush or just stay frozen on the spot. Here are some pictures of proof of the latter.

This was taken at the River Cabin area. We both were taken by surprise by both our presence. Neither the deer or I expected to see each other. She was busy eating and I kind of disturb her during this process. Instead of running off she just looked at me.

Here is another example. This picture was taken on another day. Here she tried to go to the other side of the trail when we met. And once again she just froze and looked at me like this.

This tactic is learned from a young age. This is a young Red-brocket Deer. Easily recognizable due to the white spots on both sides of the body. It looks like they are dumb-struck but it is actually a tactic before they take a big dive into the bushes.