Deer may fight off-leash dogs during fawn season

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Late spring and during the summer, white-tailed deer in Texas are birthing their fawns. During this time, dog owners should keep their pets on leash while outside.

A San Marcos resident sent KXAN video on Sunday, which shows a deer charging him and his dog while out on a walk during May 2023.

"I've had two separate instances of mother deer almost charging me this week," the viewer said in an email. "The deer in San Marcos are in fawn season so they're being very protective to the point of being aggressive. Y'all should warn people not to have their dogs off leash until after July."

Deer in urban areas, who may be more used to dogs, will become far more likely to fight if they believe their young are at risk, according to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Division spokesperson.

"The protective nature of mother animals over their young is an extremely well documented occurrence worldwide," the spokesperson said. "A deer’s motherly instinct to protect offspring changes from more of a flight species to being willing to fight."

This is a short-time change -- once fawns can flee danger, deer will become less protective.

Until then, TPWD recommends following local leash laws to reduce the odds of a deer/dog conflicts.

This story started through KXAN ReportIt. If you have a tip or video to share, send it to ReportIt@KXAN.com.