WASHINGTON COUNTY, Maine (WABI) – Seeing a deer move through the Maine woods isn\u2019t an uncommon sight, but one deer in Washington County has something special about her. <\/p>\n
Tanya Decatur, an amateur wildlife photographer, said she has long found comfort in photographing animals near her home.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve just always had a love for wildlife,\u201d Decatur said. \u201cWhen I\u2019m having a bad day or stressful day, I just take a drive and there\u2019s always animals out there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Decatur said she doesn\u2019t 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 \u2018Snow White\u2019 a few times over the years. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so awesome. I have a hard time going to work some days. I\u2019ll 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?\u201d Decatur said. <\/p>\n
One of Decatur\u2019s backyard photos spread widely online, drawing comments from as far as Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt blew my mind,\u201d Decatur said. \u201cI knew it would be popular. I knew everybody would love it, but not to that extent.\u201d<\/p>\n
The subject of the photo was a three-legged doe Decatur named Tripod, after the deer lost a leg in a hunting accident.<\/p>\n
During a predawn visit, Tripod emerged from the tree line at sunrise \u2014 accompanied by two fawns.<\/p>\n
Decatur said she took in at least one of the fawns after another doe was struck by a car in the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Decatur said. \u201cAnd then I was right in awe that she took them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Decatur said Tripod\u2019s resilience has become a source of personal motivation.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be that strong \u2014 and I know she\u2019s an animal, but us as humans, we can have that too,\u201d Decatur said. \u201cShe\u2019s missing a leg and she\u2019s pushing through and strong and feisty. And I hope that I do that too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Decatur said she hopes Tripod serves as a reminder that inspiration can be found anywhere.<\/p>\n
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