Officials are speculating on why a woman was attacked by a deer at her home, suggesting that they can become aggressive and pose a danger
Officials Speculate Why Deer Savaged Woman at Her Home: ‘They Become Aggressive and Dangerous’
A 67-year-old woman in Silver Cliff, Colorado, had a terrifying encounter with an “aggressive” mule deer right outside her home on Dec. 16.
The woman suffered a puncture wound in her left leg when the mule deer buck attacked her, according to the New York Post. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department is now on the hunt for the deer, as described by the woman who reported it.
But why did the deer suddenly turn aggressive? Officials have a theory.
A Potentially Attractive Bird Feeder
Authorities believe that the deer may have been lured by a bird feeder near the woman’s home, which led to the attack.
“The victim mentioned to a CPW officer that she feeds birds and had thrown out bread earlier that day,” said Mike Brown, the CPW area wildlife manager for the region.
By feeding the deer, someone may have inadvertently caused it to lose its natural fear of humans, making it more dangerous.
Aside from the puncture wound, the woman also suffered bruising on her right leg. She managed to get back inside her home and call her husband for help before being taken to the hospital for treatment.
This incident serves as a reminder that wild animals should be treated with caution and given the space they need. While we have a responsibility to care for God’s creatures, we must also recognize their power and potential for aggression.
Animals, even seemingly harmless ones like deer, can become violent when they feel threatened. We often forget their strength and untamed nature, which can lead to dangerous situations like this one.
When it comes to interacting with animals, it’s important to prioritize safety. Feeding wild animals may seem kind, but it can create dependency and encourage them to return for more food, potentially putting you and your family at risk.
While caring for animals is admirable, some are best left in their natural habitats. Domesticated pets like dogs and cats are preferred for a reason.
So, before you leave out food for wildlife, consider the potential consequences. It may just save you from a dangerous encounter in the long run.
The post Officials Speculate Why Deer Savaged Woman at Her Home: ‘They Become Aggressive and Dangerous’ appeared first on The Western Journal.
Why are deer attracted to bird feeders?
A bird feeder outside of her home,” said Joe Lewandowski, spokesperson for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department. “Deer are naturally attracted to bird feeders because they contain seeds and grains that are easy for them to consume.”
Deer have a diet that mainly consists of plants, leaves, twigs, and grass. However, they are opportunistic feeders and will consume other food sources when available. Bird feeders can be an enticing treat for deer, especially during the winter months when their natural food sources may be scarce.
“When deer come into contact with humans and become accustomed to being around backyard bird feeders, they can become more aggressive and dangerous,” explained Lewandowski. “The deer may associate humans with a food source and lose their fear of them.”
Deer are usually docile and prefer to avoid interactions with humans. However, when they feel threatened or believe their food source is being threatened, they can display aggressive behavior. This includes using their antlers to charge, kick, or gore, as seen in the case of the Silver Cliff woman.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department is taking this incident seriously and is actively working to locate the deer involved in the attack. Once found, the department plans to euthanize the deer to prevent any further incidents and ensure public safety.
Officials are also reminding residents to remove bird feeders and other attractants, such as fruit trees or vegetable gardens, from their yards to discourage deer from coming into close proximity with human dwellings. These simple steps can help prevent potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife.
It is important to remember that deer are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect. Feeding them or encouraging their presence near human habitations can lead to dangerous situations for both humans and the animals themselves.
As for the woman who was attacked, she was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and is expected to recover from her injuries. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and caution when living in areas where wildlife may be present.
Officials hope that by raising awareness about the potential dangers of attracting wildlife with food sources, incidents like this can be prevented in the future. It is essential for both residents and officials to work together in maintaining a safe environment for humans and animals alike.
As Lewandowski stated, “Wild animals should remain wild, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they do not become dependent on human-provided food sources. This is for their own well-being and the safety of our communities.”
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