With Autumn slipping into Winter, deer on Vancouver Island are well into their breeding season.
With the rut in full swing, deer may become territorial, as one Oak Bay woman found out last week.
Last Wednesday, police were called to the corner of St. Ann Street and Bowker Avenue to assist a cyclist who had been knocked over by a deer.
Police say the woman was was riding around the corner onto southbound St. Ann’s when she encountered three deer, a buck, doe, and fawn.
The buck then charged the woman and knocked her off her bicycle.
The cyclist suffered a shoulder injury and mild concussion, and was taken to hospital for examination.
After the incident nearby residents brought a blanket to the woman, and stayed with her until police arrived.
Oak Bay PD has alerted the BC Conservation Officer Service of the incident.
Safety Tips
Earlier this month, a video was captured of two bucks knocking antlers over territory in the Cedar Hill area.
Earlier still, in September, another woman from Oak Bay was attacked by a mother deer in her own backyard.
If you see deer in the wild or in your neighbourhood, the British Columbia Conservation Foundation has tips on how to remain safe.
Though they can be cute, avoid approaching deer, especially young ones as they may attack. Mothers may also become aggressive if they see people near their fawns.
Deer lower their ears and their heads as a signal of aggression. “If you are attacked by a deer try to stay upright, cover your head with your arms and move to shelter,” says the foundation.
