I've lived in this town all of my life.

I know all the weird traditions that come with living in a place as remote as mine, but

nothing explains what's happened at our deer park.

I used to come out here most evenings during the pandemic, park up by the base of the hill

overlooking the sanctuary and just immerse myself in nature.

I was always mindful of the distance I had to keep from the deer, particularly during

mating season, and it wasn't like the deer didn't know what a car was.

These were in their own reserve, sure, but the trail cut right through their vast fields

and they'd grown accustomed to seeing cars all manner of times in day and evening, which

is what made the situation much more unsettling.

Being last week, a sign was put up on the entrance gate to the park, and possible to miss

the car slowed and the tires rolled over the metal grates.

With it being the late hours and very few cars on the road, I decided to stop and read it

in full.

A polite notice to our valued visitor is entering the Oboro Nature Reserve.

Our deer are exhibiting unusual behaviors, and we are politely requesting you observe

the following guidelines in place as to best protect yourself and the well-being

of our deer.

1.

While the park is open 24 hours a day, we are recommending visitors do not stop their cars

during observable grazing periods and on mid-summer nights.

You are welcome to drive through and observe from a distance, but please do not slow down

...