What Every Hiker Should Know About Facing Deer on the Trail

Stay Calm and Keep Distance: Deer are generally not aggressive, but it’s important to remain calm and avoid approaching them.

Avoid Surprising the Deer: Make noise while hiking to avoid startling deer, especially if they are nearby or hidden in dense vegetation.

Do Not Feed Deer: Feeding deer can alter their natural behavior, make them reliant on humans, and lead to dangerous encounters.

Give Them Space: If you encounter a deer, give it plenty of space to move away. Never attempt to touch or interact with it.

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Observe from Afar: Enjoy watching deer, but do so from a safe distance without disturbing their natural behavior.

Watch for Fawns: During the spring, be especially cautious of fawns, as deer may become more protective of their young.

Stay on the Trail: Avoid veering off the trail where you may accidentally encounter a deer unexpectedly.

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