Urban deer attacking pets
Dear Editor: Yesterday my puppy was attacked by a deer, while we were walking near downtown Penticton. It was 2 p.m. on a Monday afternoon. Neither of us saw the deer until it rushed out of the bushes from across the street, reared up at me, and stomped on my dogs back and rear legs. My dog was leashed, and did not provoke the deer in any way. I screamed at her, and attempted to back away, but the deer continued her attack until a passerby in a car stopped to help, and scared her away.
Since the incident, I have spoken with several organizations, including the City of Penticton, Conservation and Wildlife and the Province of B.C., all of whom told me that nothing was being, or could be done, regarding the specific deer that attacked us, or concerning the larger problem of urban deer in Penticton.
My concern is that the deer population in urban areas has become an issue of safety for those who live here. Though we escaped with minimal injuries, I no longer feel safe walking on the street with my dog where I live.
These animals are not afraid of us, and can be aggressive, particularly during fawning season.
Though I respect and care about the local wildlife, I am concerned for the safety of mothers with children and other household pets who may unintentionally come across an aggressive mother deer with her fawns. Urban deer are interfering with our ability to enjoy local parks, public walkways and even our own yards. We all have a right to feel safe walking down the street without fear of an unprovoked attack from a wild animal.
Since going to social media, and speaking with my neighbours, I have been shocked by how many others have stories similar to mine, whereby humans and pets alike have been physically threatened or attacked within city limits.
I realize there is concern about protecting the deer, however I am suggesting it is time the City of Penticton acknowledges the urban deer are a problem, and begin to explore effective and/or humane solutions for dealing with the number of potentially aggressive deer roaming our streets.
Just because you have not personally encountered an aggressive deer, does not mean it hasn’t happened to many others – probably even someone you know. And until we begin to explore solutions, it will continue to happen until someone gets seriously hurt. Shayna Jakubec
Penticton