COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – On June 7, 2024, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) responded to a disturbing incident in unincorporated El Paso County, northwest of Colorado Springs. An aggressive female deer attacked two dogs and charged a pregnant woman before her father intervened, ultimately shooting and killing the animal.
The woman reported hearing frantic barking from her fenced backyard, where she discovered her two dogs being stomped by a deer. When she attempted to scare the deer away, it turned and charged at her. Her father, who was inside the house, rushed out and fired nonlethal rubber buckshot—previously provided by CPW to deter bears—at the deer. Despite being hit, the deer continued its charge, forcing the man to use lethal force to protect his daughter.
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Under Colorado law, it is permissible to use lethal measures to protect human safety from wildlife. After investigating, CPW determined no citation was warranted in this case.
This alarming event follows a pattern of aggressive wildlife behavior, marking the third cow elk attack in Estes Park this year alone. CPW officials warn that deer, elk, and moose can exhibit increased aggression in late spring and early summer when their offspring are vulnerable.
“Deer, elk, and moose can become aggressive in the late spring and early summer when their young are first born and defenseless,” said Tim Kroening, CPW’s Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region. “The majority of aggressive behavior from these animals in some way involves a dog, who they see as a predator and threat to their young.”
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CPW emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to avoid such incidents. Homeowners should install fences taller than six feet to deter deer and keep pets leashed and supervised at all times. It is crucial to survey the area for wildlife before letting pets outside and to educate children on avoiding wild animals.
“Thankfully no one was hurt,” Kroening stated. “This incident serves as a reminder to watch for wildlife and keep a close eye on your children and pets.”
For more information on living with wildlife, visit CPW’s website.
Leave Young Wildlife Alone
CPW urges the public to leave young wildlife, especially fawns, undisturbed. Mother deer often leave their fawns in one location for hours while foraging. Interfering with these young animals can lead to their abandonment by the mother.
If you encounter what appears to be an abandoned baby animal, contact your local wildlife office. CPW staff will assess the situation and provide guidance. Human intervention is a last resort due to limited resources at wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
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