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Small dog killed by deer in Sparwood
Elk Valley Bear Aware (EVBA) is reporting on its website that a small dog was killed by a mule deer doe in Sparwood yesterday, July 25.
“The small and older dog was caught off guard by the deer,” the Bear Aware site notes, adding, afawn wasn’t seen in the area at the time.
The incident is “a reminder to residents that urban deer can be dangerous.”
The EVBA website reminds residents and visitors that deer are “normally timid animals but if they become habituated to humans they can become a danger. Never approach or feed deer. 
Female deer (does) can be aggressive during the fawning season (May and June).
If deer are responding to your presence, you are too close. Keep a distance of 15 to 20 metres.
If a deer does attack you, stay upright as they inflict injury by striking at their opponent with their sharp hooves. Cover your head with your arms and back off to some form of shelter.
“Keep dogs on a leash, but if deer charge towards you drop the leash so the dog can escape and try to place a solid object (tree or car) between you and the deer.
 Male deer (bucks) can be aggressive during the mating season (November and December)
. Deer are especially hard to remove from a neighbourhood once they have established themselves, so it is important that deer do not feel comfortable in your yard.”
The EVBA also recommends a combination of landscaping with deer resistant plants, hazing techniques and fencing can help keep deer out of your yard.
“Providing food (by intent or neglect) for wildlife is the root cause of an increase in wildlife/human conflict and is unlawful in BC,” EVBA informs.
Please report wildlife incidents when there is a threat to human safety to the Ministry of Environment 24-hour hotline on 1-877-952-7277.
For more information on wildlife safety visit http://www.wildsafebc.com or contact [email protected]
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW