One of the 10 most dangerous animals in North America could be standing right in your own backyard.
On the weekend of March 11, my next door neighbour and I were harshly reminded about how aggressive and dangerous wild deer can be.
In the shadowed darkness on that Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m., my neighbour let her little black dog outside into her fenced yard. Suddenly, without warning, he was attacked by a doe.
I’m going to call this black dog “Lucky” because miraculously he survived this horrific event where the deer stomped him repeatedly with her front legs and sharp hooves. Hearing Lucky’s yelps, my neighbour managed to quickly call him back inside to the safety of her home.
The next few hours and days were critical, however, brave little Lucky was treated and slowly recovered. What a super trooper!
Especially this time of year, does could be pregnant or have their young fawn(s) close by and are intensely protective.
It’s not their fault, it’s not the dog’s fault, and it’s not the dog owner’s fault. It’s just nature and survival.
Oh deer! These beautiful, majestic animals we love to snap photos of may charge and stomp at anything that could potentially be a threat to their life or to their offspring. After all, weren’t they here first?
Please, always be vigilant, respectful and kind. Watch our for each other where all wildlife is concerned.
Margot Evans, Oliver
