Deer are a familiar sight in many natural and even suburban environments, often observed grazing peacefully. A common question arises about whether these animals, known for their gentle demeanor, might ever resort to biting. This article clarifies when and why such an uncommon action might occur.
Understanding Deer Biting Behavior
While deer generally prefer to flee from perceived threats, they can bite under specific circumstances. This occurs when they feel highly stressed, cornered, or directly threatened. For instance, a doe with fawns can be intensely protective of her young. If she perceives a human or pet as a danger, she may act aggressively, including biting or striking with hooves.
Another situation where deer might bite or exhibit aggression is if they have become habituated to humans, often due to feeding. When deer associate humans with food, they can become demanding and aggressive if food is expected but not provided. During the rutting season, typically in the fall, male deer experience a significant surge in testosterone, making them more territorial and aggressive. Bucks may challenge perceived threats, including humans, as they compete for mates. Signs of agitation in deer, such as stomping hooves, snorting, or pinning their ears back, indicate they feel threatened and might escalate their behavior.
Deer Anatomy and Diet
Deer are herbivores, meaning their diet consists exclusively of plant matter, such as grasses, leaves, and twigs. Their dental structure is specifically adapted for this plant-based diet, not for tearing flesh or as an offensive weapon. Deer possess incisors only on their lower jaw, used to snip off vegetation.
Instead of upper incisors, deer have a tough dental pad on their upper jaw. This pad works with the lower incisors to grasp and tear plants. The back of their mouths contains flat, wide molars and premolars designed for grinding tough plant fibers. This specialized dentition highlights that biting as a form of aggression against other animals or humans is not a natural or common behavior for deer.
Staying Safe Around Deer
To minimize negative encounters with deer, maintain a respectful distance and avoid actions that might provoke them. Never feed wild deer, as this can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans and become aggressive. Feeding also concentrates deer in unnaturally high numbers, increasing the risk of disease transmission and vehicle collisions. It is advisable to keep at least 50 to 100 feet away from deer.
If a deer approaches or displays signs of aggression, back away slowly without turning your back. Making yourself appear larger by waving your arms and speaking in a firm voice can sometimes deter an approaching deer. If a deer attacks, try to place an object between yourself and the animal, such as a tree or vehicle, and seek higher ground if possible. While rabies in deer is rare, any bite from a wild animal warrants immediate medical attention due to the risk of infection.