Deer are known to be so loyal to their territories. Their loyalty has constantly created issues between them and humans. Due to the increased population, people establish farms and build homes where the deer used to live freely.
In other areas, major roads have been built in areas where these animals live. Generally, the deer are timid and docile animals.
However, their constant interactions with humans have made them lose their fear of humans. They have become more aggressive toward humans. Even so, the deer’s peaceful nature has driven many to wonder.
Do deer attack humans?
Yes, the deer do attack humans, and this is dependent on particular situations. They may feel the humans are invading their territory when protecting their fawn or during the rutting season (mating).
Deer are not as docile as they tend to look. The number of deer attacks has been increasing over time. In the United States, the unique way one can die is through an attack by a mammal.
Deer has been rated as the number one mammal that has taken the lives of many Americans. The rating includes the number of accidents caused by the deer.
Why Do Deer Attack Humans?
1. Protective Doe
The attacks by mule deer and whitetail deer are caused mainly by three things. The mother might be trying to protect their pawns.
People do come across lonely Fawns in the woods and think their mothers have abandoned them. The humans might then decide to take the fawn to give it shelter and food.
In most cases, the female deer are always around and might have left the pawn there intentionally.
When the female deer sees the human approaching its fawn, it reacts by attacking the human. When it comes to guarding their young, the deer will go to any length to protect them.
2. Deer are territorial
Deer are territorial; they tend to attack humans when they feel like they are invading their territories. However, the rapid encounters between humans and deer have led to increased deaths through road accidents.
3. It’s Mating Season
The accident cases are rampant in northern states of America. The deer also tend to be more aggressive during the mating season. The testosterone-charged bucks are crazy and do not fear anything; they attack people watching their farms and hikers.
There are reported cases of a deer crashing onto a window of houses and businesses. This is because it saw its reflection on the window. Their mating periods are between September and December, in the fall.
What To Do If A Deer Approaches You
You might be on your routine walking exercise, and you encounter a dear. In some instances, the deer might run away. However, if you notice that the deer is unshaken, it changes its ear posture and stance or starts to huff or stomp its feet.
It’s advisable that you slowly back off. It might be protecting its territory or pawns. When the deer sees you leaving, it’s improbable for it to attack you.
In case you got too close to the deer, and it charges at you. Wave an object or use a thing to make you appear more prominent and shout at the deer. This might scare the deer. Remember not to turn your back on the deer.
How Deer Attacks
There are some common, unique characteristics that deer exhibits before attacking. The deer makes an aggressive grunt as it prepares to attack.
A grunt is a noise that a dear makes through their noses by removing an explosion-like air through them.
The hair on its body stands on end. The dear then flexes its legs and assumes a slightly crouched position.
A matured buck weighs around 200lbs and measures about six feet long. It has strong muscles and can easily knock its target to the ground.
The deer attacks using its antlers and can sometimes attack using its hooves while standing on its hind legs. These attacks are enough to cause fatality.
How To Survive A Deer Attack
The deer might still charge at you even after trying to scare it off. It’s advisable to put something between you and the dear during the attack. You can use a stick, rock, or backpack; they can protect you from injuries.
However, continue looking for an escape way. Consider climbing trees, hills, and any other place that seems safe and the deer cannot access.
If the deer knocks you down, lie in a fetal position, and make sure to protect your vital organs including head and neck. The deer might poke and stomp you for some time. It may lose interest and leaves if it learns you are not a threat.
In cases where the buck is more aggressive and does not show the sign of leaving, some people have managed to wrestle them down by grabbing their antlers.
Avoiding a deer attack
First of all, ensure to maintain a reasonable distance between you and the dear. This will give you the chance to escape if it starts approaching you quickly.
When you notice that the deer is planning to attack you, you should immediately take cover to avoid confrontation.
Again do not be cornered by their relaxed look. Regardless, looks can be so deceiving. The dear might look peaceful, and this might prompt you to feed it. The deer might suddenly rise and attack you with their front hooves.
The bucks are more aggressive during the rutting period and can easily get irritated by your presence. Also, avoid touching or approaching a fawn that is lying out in the wild. It’s better to live there or call the wildlife authority.
When in a park, check the signs and follow the rules that authorities have put up. It’s advisable to keep a distance of 50 meters between you and the deer. In case you wish to have a better look at the deer, you can always use a binocular. It’ll give you that closer look.
Conclusion
Although deer preferentially avoid attacking humans, sometimes they do attack people. This happens because of several factors. Such as; mating, they are protecting their fawn and territories.
Other times the attacks by the deer can be so unpredictable. Humans are therefore advised to avoid feeding and to get close to the deer. Their attacks can lead to death or cause serious injuries Deer should be treated as wild animals.
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