Do Deer Attack People?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 11, 2023

Although deer generally prefer to avoid people, they do sometimes attack humans. Deer are most likely to attack humans during rutting season or if they perceive a human to be a threat to a fawn.

Male deer become aggressive during rutting season, which occurs between October and December. Attacks by female deer are usually triggered by humans interfering with fawns. This sometimes happens when well-meaning people believe a fawn is abandoned, but the mother is just out of sight.

Deer can be unpredictable and may attack at other times as well. People should avoid feeding or getting too close to deer. Deer use their hooves and antlers during attacks and can cause serious injury or death.