Elderly man hospitalized by deer attack in Penticton

Photo: Sun Valley Images

The BC Conservation Office Service is reminding residents to avoid deer and give them their space after a doe attacked an elderly couple leaving their home in Penticton on Friday morning.

Sgt. James Zucchelli, a conservation officer in the South Okanagan, explained that the does can be especially dangerous and aggressive right now, as they are trying to protect their fawns.

The couple was not aware of the doe outside of their residence when they left.

“This was right outside the door of their house. They were leaving the sliding glass of their porch at their residence and the deer was right there and they had no idea. They were hit from the side,” he said, adding it was a "very, very traumatic experience" for the couple.

He said the attack was likely triggered by the fact the the couple was walking their dog.

"So these people have their dog and they're just leaving their house, and they don't have any idea that this deer was right around the corner.”

Dogs can be perceived as a potential predator or threat to deer.

The husband ended up in the hospital with a serious injury to his leg, but has since been moved home to recover.

Conservation officers were not able to locate the deer after the incident occurred.

The City of Penticton issued an announcement on Friday afternoon warning of reports of an aggressive deer around the Atkinson Street and Okanagan Avenue area.

“It's a complex problem. It's a problem that is not easily resolved and we want to try our best to not have to put her down, but when that continued conflict occurs with an identified doe deer, then it basically doesn't leave us much option," Zucchelli said.

“They're in our green spaces and in our residential areas. Give them a wide berth, especially people with dogs. They trigger aggressive deer and depending on the circumstances, and how agitated the deer is, at the time, serious injury can be inflicted on people and pets.”

Does tend to be extra-protective during their babies' first few months.

“As the fawn deer becomes more mobile, her need to protect and defend it will go down. The fact that they are so defenceless now and they're not very mobile and not able to defend themselves, she's definitely very protective of them,” he explained.

People are urged to be "super cautious and super aware," avoiding areas where deer have been spotted in green spaces or places where the deer are frequenting.

If you come across a mom, give her as much space as possible.

"If they're paying attention to you, and you can see them, give them 50, 70, 100 yards. A wide berth is the best advice. Avoid them altogether, because they can be triggered to run long distances if they perceive that you were a threat to their fawn,” Zucchelli added.

“They'll run across a football field to try and protect their fawns.”

Residents are also encouraged to leave fawns alone, even if spotted in an area without their mom.

To report a conflict or concern with wildlife, contact the Conservation Officer Service through the (RAPP) line 1-877-952-7277.