Threatening deer encounter

Today, at 6 a.m. I minding my business, walking my dog on leash up Tanager Drive in Kelowna.

A deer jumped out of the bush in the front yard of a house on my right. I was on the left side footpath and the deer blocked my path, stopping about five yards in front of me.

I crossed the road and so did the deer. Naturally my dog was a bit excited and the deer charged and stomped the dog, who shrieked in pain, panicked and wraped the leash round my leg nearly causing me to fall.

I shouted at the deer and disengaged the dog as I backed away.

The deer stood in the middle of the road, challenging me and slowly walking towards me as I retreated.

I know that at this time of year, does are very protective of their young and this was not the first time I have been nose to nose with an aggressive deer. It is dangerous enough for an adult but what if a young person was walking a dog or my neighbour with a baby in a stroller?

We have had bears and cougars on the street but at this time of year, it's the deer that are dangerous.

Is it time for the city to address the problem ?

Joe Wingham