Deer injures visitor in South Rim Campground

(Editor’s Note: It was reported by several people that a few weekends ago there were several deer-people confrontations on the Upper Lower Loop. Be aware out there.)

On the afternoon of Tuesday, June 30, a female deer injured a woman in the South Rim Campground of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The woman was walking her dog in the campground and the deer, apparently protecting a fawn, struck her repeatedly with its hooves, resulting in serious injuries. The woman, a Sedona, Ariz. resident, was transported by ambulance to Montrose Memorial Hospital.

After this incident, the deer continued to be unusually aggressive. Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife officers were notified and the deer was put down.

Though this is the first such incident at Black Canyon, defensive attacks by deer have been reported in other areas. Mule deer will act defensively to protect their young. Visitors should avoid approaching deer. Dogs should be on short leashes (six feet or shorter) and dog owners are advised to avoid areas deer frequent.

Remember that fawns may be hiding in nearby brush as their mothers move around an area.