The Hunger Moon

I've had as many as 17 deer here at one time this winter, that was on New Year's Eve...so it seemed like a gathering of sorts. Generally we have 13 deer visiting, with a hardcore group of 9 of those being individuals I recognise (and have named) and who recognise me... For the past couple of weeks I've heard wolves howling in the forests...not close, but not distant either. Two weeks ago during a snowshoeing trek on our trails we happened upon big cat tracks (I've seen a mountain lion here in the past). The day before yesterday I saw no deer...and the evening was eerily quiet...not a sound of anything moving...every critter in the woods stealthy and on guard. Yesterday 3 of the friendliest deer showed up, the three that are always together...we call 'momma', 'black ears' and 'nubbins'...but they were fidgety and nervous. No sight of anyone else. Today, of those 3, only momma and nubbins came by...but oh so wary...nubbins dashed away after only visiting for a few minutes...ears back and the hair on his withers up... The group have split up...cautiously lying low...The Full Hunger Moon is coming.