How to Survive After Being Attacked by a Deer or Moose
You may not think about it when looking at them, but Bambi and his hoofed friends have suffered greatly. Depending on the situation and the time of year, deer and moose can be more dangerous than toothy predators. Here’s what you need to know to keep out of those crushing hooves and sharp horns.
Deer and moose don’t always seem like docile creatures. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that non-livestock mammals such as deer, elk and elk cause 52 deaths each year . And that doesn’t include all deaths caused by deer-related vehicle collisions, resulting in well over 200 deaths and $ 1.1 billion in property damage annually.
Deer
The danger posed by an ordinary white-tailed deer and olen- mule, usually comes down to three reasons: their apparent abundance across the country, a mother who is trying to protect their calves, and the aggressiveness of the deer during the mating season. In parts of the United States, encounters with deer are incredibly common, especially in the northern states, making them dangerous for drivers in rural areas. And when it comes to protecting their cubs, they will stop at nothing to keep their cubs safe.
However, the bucks are the most dangerous of all. As Gordon Grice explains in The Book of Deadly Animals , males go to extreme lengths to obtain mating privileges and territorial control:
White-tailed deer were found in dead pairs, their antlers tangled and tangled so badly that they could not get out. They died of thirst or stress. Reindeer uniqueness can go even further. I know of one case when one deer was found with the decapitated head of another, locked in the horns. Biologists claimed that a live deer entered into a fight with an already dead rival and tore his head off.
In short, bucks are crazy. And when the mating season comes, they are not afraid of anything. They will attack tourists in the desert, kill people tending their gardens , and there have been many instances where bucks have pushedtheir way through the windows of homes and businesses because they saw their own reflection in the glass . Some bucks even hold a grudge, like the one who attacked the driver after they hit him with their car.
As with most wildlife encounters, prevention is key. The two most important warning signs to look out for are antlers and deer , especially at certain times of the year. Hunting for deer, or pairing, in autumn, usually from late September to early December (although in hotter parts of the country it may continue until January or February ). It’s time to look for deer with testosterone-charged antlers. Craig Stowers , California Reindeer Program Coordinator, notes that spring can also be dangerous, as this is when the reindeer are most protective of their fawns.
However, no matter what time of year it is, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends avoiding deer at all costs (unless you have permission to hunt them in the area). The female may look as if she is all alone, but the deer hides her cubs in bushes and tall grass so that they can be nearby. And never try to pet or feed a wild deer. Not only is it dangerous, but feeding deer is illegal in several states, including California, Florida, and Alaska. It is also a good idea to keep your dog on a leash when you go for a walk or hike. And whatever it was, never spray on your body or clothes smell an elk or deer. They will think you are a deer and act accordingly.
If you come across a deer and it starts to change its stance and position of its ears, stamping its feet or snorting, slowly move away from it and avoid this place for several weeks. Remember, he is most likely protecting his territory or his young. If you leave, then it is unlikely to chase after you. If you get too close and it starts to approach you, wave your coat or other object in the direction of the deer, or use it to appear larger, yell at the animal and make a lot of loud noises as you try to back away. Don’t turn your back on the animal.
If it energizes you, Outdoor Life’s Rich Johnson suggests putting something between you and the deer, especially if it’s a dollar. A backpack, rock, or large stick can keep you from getting stuck. Keep trying to leave the area or climb the nearest tree or other elevation to prevent the deer from reaching you. If you are knocked down, curl up into a fetal position and protect your neck, head and vital organs. The deer may stomp and poke you lightly, but eventually it will lose interest when it realizes that you are not a threat (as shown in the tense video above). In rare cases, when the deer is very aggressive and does not allow Some people have managed to grab the animal by the horns andknock it to the ground until it gets tired.
Elk
If you give the moose a bun, it will spoil you for sure. Elk are the largest and most dangerous deer species. Due to their size, they are not afraid of much and will charge people,houses ,snowmobiles andeven pickups . In fact, bull moose can reach over six feet in height and weigh nearly 1,500 pounds. Compared to about 150 pounds of white-tailed deer, moose are monstrous. This means that you need to treat collisions with them a little differently.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Wildlife , you should slowly walk away from the elk with your hands up, palms facing the elk. When retreating, speak to the elk softly, not loudly, as if you were calming a child. This may give you a few “bluff” accusations as a warning, but you should take all of them seriously.
Unlike most other wildlife encounters, running is your best move if the moose gets too close to you. They won’t chase you very far, and you can maneuver around a tree or large rock much faster than an elk. Plus, they usually attack and try to hit you with their front hooves, and this move can give you a decent edge if you start sprinting. As with any other deer, if it knocks you down, curl up into a ball to protect your vital areas and feign death. He may keep stepping on you, but if you don’t move, he will eventually lose interest and move on. Do not get up until he is far away from you, otherwise he may try to attack again.
When it comes to moose, dogs are a much bigger problem. Fido might scare off some white-tailed deer, but moose are used to being attacked by canine predators and will view dogs as enemies even if they don’t bark or growl. They may evenkick your dog as hard as they can if you’re not careful. Make sure your dog is on a leash in moose country at all times, and avoid moose if you encounter one.