Zoe Kirk provides an excellent explanation of what goes on in the mind of a deer (Penticton Western News, June 27, Penticton woman and dog chased by aggressive deer), or any other animal that is prey and has young.
Perhaps the city could post some signs in wooded areas and trails noting that this is a sensitive time for mother does and caution should be taken, as in walk elsewhere.
So much building has taken place in previous deer habitat that they are bound to cross even more paths with humans.
My sympathies to Bucky and his owner. I don’t want to see a dog in harms way either, but perhaps a little more thought could be given to where people take their dogs for walks, especially at these sensitive times for the deer. Any mother is going to protect their young.
Avoiding the wooded areas at these times seems pretty logical to me, however perhaps this is not well known information and this is where signs and even commercials would be useful. It’s all about some education about wildlife for the urban dweller.
The more we encroach into wildlife space, the more encounters there will be. Let’s at least start with some signs to alert walkers of the potential dangers.
Gladys Kusmack
Penticton
