REINDEER AT BETHEL SPRINGS
For the first time in Land Trust history, these elusive and beautiful animals were seen either resting or “re-fueling” as the case may be.
Land Steward Brandon Perry confirmed the presence of two of the reindeer at Bethel Spring Nature Preserve at dusk. In his words, “They flew in out of nowhere and headed straight to the spring. They drank the clean water, nibbled on grasses and lichens, then crashed at the edge of the woods.”
Perry tried to move closer to capture a picture of the animals but was quickly warned off by snorts and shaking of antlers. As darkness fell, he heard sleigh bells overhead – and in the blink of an eye the resting reindeer had disappeared.
Scientists suspect that the reindeer were gathering for their annual migration to the North Pole. “They were probably attracted to the clean water, abundant food, and safety offered by these protected lands.” (unauthorized local scientist speaking on condition of anonymity).
Marie Bostick, Land Trust Executive Director, was thrilled with the confirmation of these reports and responded, “It makes sense! Our community has worked hard over the past 29 years to preserve these green spaces. Having reindeer visit our properties is more than we ever expected and we are grateful to our Land Trust supporters for their incredible efforts to protect the land!”
Want to help the Land Trust save more land? Click on the reindeer and moon!
