Maple wandered through the forest, searching for the signs of the male deer, a strong, young buck. He seemed lost, and his hooves were in a uneven pattern, which meant that he had an injured leg. Maple sniffed the ground, concentrating for the bucks recent but faint scent. At last she found him, standing in a peaceful, grassy clearing, laying down on the grass and tending to his leg wound, which looked like the human bullet wounds. She swiftly crouched, ready to surprise the deer, then grapple with it until she killed it.
Her pups needed food. She could see how Silen looked longingly outside, and knew he would be wandering out soon. Current seemed more content inside, whining when she brought them their first taste of rabbit. Silen ate half of it, while Current burrowed closer to Maple instead.
Maple tensed, ready to strike. She gathered her feet, sprung, and leaped into the air.
She didn't notice the trap under her front paws when she landed.