A Deer above the Creek

My husband and I were lucky enough to spot a few deer along the trail in Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Santiago Oaks is only two miles from gas stations and grocery stores, but it seems like a different world. It is important for you to know that nature is not too far from home. A car ride can get you to a regional park in Orange County. If a car is unavailable to you, you can take the bus or ride a bike with an adult to many parks in Orange County. Also, nature can be found in local city parks, too. It just takes a little patience and a keen eye to find native plants and animals in your neighborhood.

Deer are native creatures to this area. They get their energy by eating plants. Because they eat plants only, they are known as herbivores.

Look at the deer's ears. Why is it helpful for a deer to have big ears? Correct! It can hear very well. It can hear when a mountain lion steps on a branch in the woods. The deer's hearing ability helps it escape from predators. Predators are animals that eat other animals.

What color is the deer? Why isn't it bright pink? How does the coloring of the deer help it hide from predators? You are right. The drab brown color of the deer blends in with the brown color of the plants, dirt, and trees. When something looks the same as its surroundings and it hidden, it is called camouflage. The deer is camouflaged with the help of its tan colored fur.

Are the eyes of the deer on the sides of its head or in front, like a human's? They are on the side. Why do some animals have eyes on the sides of their heads while other animals have eyes in the front? A prey animal is one that is hunted and eaten by another animal. Its eyes are on the side so that it can look all around and watch out for predators. Predator eyes are in the front so that they can see prey. There is a saying that will help you remember if an animal is a predator or prey. "Eyes on the side, I must go hide. Eyes to the front, I must go hunt." Is a bird a predator or prey? What about cats and dogs? Are they prey or predators? Think of different animals and try to figure out if those animals are predators or prey.


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