Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Young Mule Deer" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for the Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked February 14, 1984. Exploring the colorful Arizona desert on wobbly legs, the Mule Deer fawn playfully investigates a fluttering butterfly. This fawn will not wander far from the protection of its mother however, for the youngster would fall easy prey to the predators of the desert. If an enemy does attack, the mother will fiercely defend her young fawn. The doe will raise up in the air and then angrily stamp her hooves in an attempt to frighten the attacker. If this fails, the doe will try to lure the enemy away by whistling calls and retreating in a circle pattern. During the heat of the day, the doe will hide her infant in the shade of small bushes while she ventures off to feed. At dusk, she will return to her fawn to nurse the infant in the quiet peace of gathering darkness. As the fawn grows older, its dappled coat will fade to light brown . . . and later to a heavy grey coat as summer turns to winter. Young bucks born the previous spring sprout tender antlers which are covered with a velvety fur. These antlers grow quickly during the summer to crown the handsome buck for the autumn mating season. Later, the antlers will deteriorate, and they will drop. This magnificent animal is easily recognized by its large furry ears that can detect danger at long range. Bounding through the mountains and deserts of Arizona, the Mule Deer is truly one of Nature's most beautiful animals. Image Size: 11 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 19 x 20.75 in. Unframed. (B08395)