[rwest]

I think the deer on my local rail to trail path are pretty used to bikes and people. I got within about 5 feet of one last week before it bolted; I was a bit worried it might run the other direction and smack into me!

Interestingly I have seen up to 5 black squirrels on a single ride on that trail apparently they are a 1 in 100 variation of the common grey squirrel.

Several years ago a beaver scared the bejeezus out of me as it came up onto the trail just in front of me before turning quickly around and back down the bank.

There are a few ponds that can have dozens of painted turtles; every once in awhile you’ll see one crossing the path- sorry Steve, I don’t think I can safely ship them to you.

I saw something last week that was black with a brownish face, maybe an otter, Fisher or mink? Don’t think it was a cat, but maybe.

Rarely do I see snakes, but last year saw a few garter snakes and a couple red bellied brown snakes. Unfortunately most I see got smushed in the road sunning themselves.

You see a lot more on the bike than in a car.