Wildlife officials urge public caution as deer encounters increase

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Wildlife officials are urging residents to use caution around wild deer in the months ahead. 

Recent reports show deer attacking people and pets in surrounding counties. 

Deer are wild animals and are naturally wary of humans but removing that fear can cause safety risks. 

The two most common instances that occur are regularly feeding or hand feeding deer and domestically raising fawns in the Spring. 

Certain times of the year can increase safety risks, such as the ‘rut’, or mating season, causing unpredictable behavior. 

Falyn Owens is the extension biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 

She says the best way to enjoy deer is to observe from afar and feed them naturally. 

“They are best observed from a distance, not taken in or treated as pets, even when they’re very young, just enjoy the fact that they’re around, and if you want to provide food for them, plant native plants in your yard, plant an oak tree, plant native wild flowers, which provide the best possible food for deer,” said Owens. 

If you happen to find a deer that looks sick or is acting abnormally, contact the wildlife help line at 866-318-2401.