In a startling surge of wildlife encounters, the Central Okanagan has witnessed its third deer assault on a local resident in just one week, culminating in hospitalization for the latest victim.
The incident took place early Thursday morning as a 50-year-old woman, accompanied by her two dogs on leashes, was confronted by an aggressive mule deer buck on Clifton Road. The attack, which unfolded around 8 a.m., also involved a second, less imposing buck. In her effort to escape, the woman sustained injuries serious enough to require medical attention.
A spokesperson for the BC Conservation Officer Service, David Karn, from the provincial Ministry of Environment, informed the public that while specific details about the woman’s injuries were not disclosed, the officers are ardently hoping for her quick recovery.
Local residents were alerted to the situation when an ambulance was spotted at the scene. While the woman’s spouse confirmed an incident involving a deer had occurred, further elaborations were withheld.
Karn elucidated that conservation officers are currently mounting an operation to locate the deer in question, treating the situation with the gravity of a predator attack. Despite the difficulties inherent in identifying the particular animal, due to the abundance of deer in the region, efforts are focused on tracking down the aggressive buck, which may be recognizable by a potentially damaged antler.
Regrettably, this marks the third episode of deer aggression in the area over the past seven days, with previous occurrences also involving canines, one tragically leading to a dog’s death.
The Conservation Officer Service strongly advises the public to practice caution during wildlife interactions. Recommended measures include heightened awareness, securing pets with leashes, staying in groups, and carrying bear spray for protection. Karn recommends visiting WildSafeBC for further guidance and information about deer behavior.
Deer assaults on humans are relatively rare but tend to rise during the fall rutting season, when deer can become more defensive, especially when cornered, feeling threatened, or when they are safeguarding their offspring.
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