B U C K B O
Posted on 10/06/2005 2:47:26 PM PDT by SmithL
ORINDA - Residents of a woodsy neighborhood are rattled by a rogue male deer that has gored one dog to death, wounded another and confronted two others --_ all in their yards.
Authorities have called in a federal hunter to try to kill the buck, and Orinda police are keeping an eye out for the black-tail deer with big antlers.
The behavior is unusual, animal experts say.
While male deer can be aggressive at this time of year during the rutting season, it's highly unusual one deer to be involved in a series of confrontations with dogs, said John Krause, an associate wildlife biologist with the state Department of Fish and Game.
"I've heard of deer attacks, but it's unusual," Krause said "Typically deer run away when they see people or dogs. I heard of deer attacking dogs, but I've not heard of a case where a deer was so aggressive repeatedly."
Krause said he can't say what might have motivated the deer.
He speculated deer might be ill, or overly aggressive after fighting with other males for dominance.
The deer also may lost its fear of humans if someone fed it, an unwise practice that the state discourages, he said.
The dog-deer confrontations occurred last week over two or three days, starting Oct. 11, in the Lost Valley Drive area of Orinda, according to neighbors, police and a warden.
Nicole Kozicki, the state Fish and Game warden, said all four dog owners said their pets were not acting aggressively when confronted.
The deer fatally gored Kermit, a blond Afghan-Golden retriever mix, in the afternoon within 20 or 30 feet of her owner, Dee Pearce.
The sweet-tempered dog , accustomed to seeing deer visit the yard, did not bark before the attack, Pearce said.
She heard a scuffle, and looked up to see her dog bleeding, and the deer nearby with lowered antlers.
The dog died as Pearce rushed it to a veterinary hospital.
She and her neighbors said they worry for the safety of other dogs and even people in the secluded neighborhood, a favorite for joggers and walkers.
Neighbors have put up posters with a photo of the deer to warn people to be cautious of the animal.
Orinda police also have the photo to help them identify the animal.
If police see the deer, officers have the authority to decide whether the animal is a public safety threat and should be shot, Police Chief Larry Gregg said. "It's a strange case," he said.
Meanwhile, the federal hunter has yet to locate the deer.
Dammit,what is not enumerated in the Constitution should be left to the States!
I got a little carried away huh,sorry.
We're all doomed!
FYI....who knew?
signed...Earl Dahmer (Jeffrey's outdoorsy older brother and family).
So far (thankfully), we haven't had to shoot any people. :-)
B U C K B O
BAMBI KILLED KERMIT!
BAMBI KILLED KERMIT!
Personally, I like it when a deer gets an attitude. Another of God's creation shows a little spunk.
Human beings were made to be bigshots...but they fell from grace. They brought death to the earth. They aligned with Satan. Who the h$ll are humans to brag about their dominance over nature and other forms of life.
Earth is a sh!thole because of humans.
Let's show some guts and take responsibility for what we did.
Oh, if only in my back yard... :)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.