WASHINGTON COUNTY, Maine (WABI) – Seeing a deer move through the Maine woods isn’t an uncommon sight, but one deer in Washington County has something special about her.
Tanya Decatur, an amateur wildlife photographer, said she has long found comfort in photographing animals near her home.
“I’ve just always had a love for wildlife,” Decatur said. “When I’m having a bad day or stressful day, I just take a drive and there’s always animals out there.”
Decatur said she doesn’t have to leave her backyard for many of her photos. Sometimes deer even wander right up to her lens, a feat she said has caused her to be called ‘Snow White’ a few times over the years.
“It is so awesome. I have a hard time going to work some days. I’ll be out doing my farm chores and the deer will be out around like as you see today. And like, can I just call in to work?” Decatur said.
One of Decatur’s backyard photos spread widely online, drawing comments from as far as Australia.
“It blew my mind,” Decatur said. “I knew it would be popular. I knew everybody would love it, but not to that extent.”
The subject of the photo was a three-legged doe Decatur named Tripod, after the deer lost a leg in a hunting accident.
During a predawn visit, Tripod emerged from the tree line at sunrise — accompanied by two fawns.
Decatur said she took in at least one of the fawns after another doe was struck by a car in the area.
“I woke up one morning having my coffee and my window overlooks the field across from my house and I saw a baby and then I saw another baby and then I saw Tripod and then I saw her baby,” Decatur said. “And then I was right in awe that she took them.”
Decatur said Tripod’s resilience has become a source of personal motivation.
“To be that strong — and I know she’s an animal, but us as humans, we can have that too,” Decatur said. “She’s missing a leg and she’s pushing through and strong and feisty. And I hope that I do that too.”
Decatur said she hopes Tripod serves as a reminder that inspiration can be found anywhere.
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