Desperate for Life

Viciousness gleamed in the coyote’s eye as he swung his jaw with a slashing gesture. It snapped cruelly at the defenseless fawn unable to move quickly in the softness of pond’s edge. It looked safe enough and the water was cool on his tongue.

This young animal was on the verge of paying a heavy price for his thirst. Where is his protector, his mother? If only…

Pleading eyes and a frightened heart were not enough to stay execution by an age-old enemy. Slowly and cautiously the foe advanced, saliva dripping from its long pointed snout, sharp teeth anxious to fill space in the ache of belly.

One desperate bleat was all the little fawn could muster as the dreaded coyote prepared himself for a final rush.

Suddenly from behind this wily scavenger, sounds crashed through the trees. The din grew louder as incoming movement arrived in a cloud of rage.  The coyote was startled to the point of confusion, his attention being fully focused on his prey. Now it was he in danger.

Hesitation was costly as the Bull Moose charged, and pinned the smaller animal with his antlers. A thump of hooves upon the half turned coyote gave it no time to mount a defense. And his smashed body soon lay in a pool of oozing red.

The lifeless form caused the moose to pause and stare with murderous eyes. In a new frenzy it attacked the representation of all he hated. He remembered the loss of his only son to several coyotes earlier in the season. He too carelessly left the security of his home. Now the battered and torn figure of a once powerful coyote was scattered about in chunks and bits on the forest floor.

With a grunt of satisfaction the Bull Moose stepped forward and nudged the little fawn until it was clear of its muddy trap. Giving a bobbing shake of its tail the young deer sprang for familiar protection in the dense woods, and hurried in the direction of his mother.

Before leaving the scene of pummeled earth, the Bull Moose stomped the coyote remains for good measure. After a defiant shake of his head, he launched himself in the direction of a waiting harem.