The Fox Deer

Evolutionary Dead Ends: The Fox Deer

"I think we should postpone the grazing," said Junior.

"Why's that?" asked his dad Buck.

"Wolves are abroad," said Junior. "They devoured the entire Bambi family."

"Hmm," mused Buck. "Where'd you get that idea?"

"I was on my way over for a play date," said Junior, "and suddenly ... wolves everywhere. I barely escaped myself. I think we ought to hunker down for a little while."

"Now, that doesn't sound like something that happens in the world I want to live," said Buck. "What do you say, Marge."

"We'd better consult the fox," said Marge. "That's what we Fox Deer do."

"But Mom," protested Junior, "I saw it with my own eyes!"

"Tut. tut!" said Marge. "Better ask the fox. He'd never steer us wrong."

So they went to the fox.

"What's all this we hear about wolves?" asked Buck. "It's not what I want to hear."

"Phooey!" scoffed the fox. "Nothing to it at all! That's a hoax made up by the bears because they hate canids."

"But I saw them!" said Junior.

"No, you didn't," replied the fox. "Not in the world I'm telling you about, and that's the only one that matters. Anyway, even if you did see some in that 'reality' place, they're nothing to worry about. No worse than puppy dogs. We rim into those all the time, and they're harmless, right?"