A deer that attacks humans and dogs isn’t something you normally read about, but it’s an interesting read and important warning for people to be aware of. This is the fourth wildlife attack in Colorado this year.
An aggressive mother deer was shot after it attacked dogs and charged a pregnant woman, as reported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
The incident occurred in El Paso County, northwest of Colorado Springs. A pregnant woman heard screams from her dogs in her backyard and found her two dogs being stomped by a deer. When she tried to scare the deer away, it charged at her.
CPW stated that the woman’s father then intervened, using a rubber buckshot previously provided by CPW for bear deterrents. Despite being shot with nonlethal rounds, the deer continued charging, so her father shot and killed it.
A fawn, believed to be the deer’s young, was found nearby and taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center. It will be raised there and later released into the wild.
Using lethal force to protect human health from wildlife is legal in Colorado. CPW has investigated the incident and will not issue a citation.
Tim Kroening, CPW’s Area Wildlife Manager, noted that deer, elk, and moose can become aggressive in late spring and early summer to protect their young. CPW emphasizes the need for awareness during calving season, especially since there have been multiple elk attacks in Estes Park recently, all involving mother elk protecting their calves.
Kroening reminded the public to be vigilant and keep children and pets safe from wildlife. He also advised reporting any baby animals believed to be abandoned to local CPW offices.
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Understanding Wildlife Behavior During the “Calving Season”
When a baby mammal is born, the first 45, 60, or 90 days is known as Calving Season. This time period is when the mother is on high alert and will be overly protective of the newborns. The aggressive behavior that occurred during this incident is a natural defensive mechanism and is more common than you may think. Deer, elk, and moose view dogs and humans as potential threats to their young ones, particularly during the these early stages of their lives.
Unfortunately, dogs also can pose this threat, leading to this confrontation between the deer and the dogs. The woman probably thought that just running towards the deer would scare her away, but because of the nature of Calving Season, the opposite occurs, and the deer does whatever is possible to protect her newborn fawn.
From the Club
This is a horrible story, but it is a reminder to be aware when dealing with wild animals. Most of us look at deer and just think they are scared animals that run away when it is the complete opposite during a time of survival and protection. The deer was panicking in the backyard; the dogs were scared, and the woman was in shock, trying to diffuse the situation. Fortunately, the father knew how to handle the situation, and he tried using non-lethal options when he realized the deer would not quit.
This article first appeared on KDVR News.