MISSOULA, Mont. — Summer in Montana is a season to be savored. For residents, it’s a short stretch of warm weather that’s perfect for enjoying the outdoors. However, for Montana’s wildlife like deer and bears, it’s a critical time.
As Montanans spend more time outside, they often find themselves in closer contact with animals whose behavior may not always be cute and harmless.
It’s not uncommon this time of year to see fawns wobbling through front yards or across bike paths. But as one Missoula man recently found out, those sweet, wide doe eyes can come with a startling twist.
Tim Fuery says he’s heard many jokes about ‘urban deer.’ Particularly the unusually bold deer often seen near the University of Montana.
However, in June, his experience turned serious and painful.
“I’m surprised I don’t remember being hit,” Tim recalled. “And I’m surprised that for about two weeks, I kept the song ‘Grandpa Got Run Over by a Reindeer’ stuck in my head, it just kept haunting me.”
What began as a regular dog walk ended in a sudden and aggressive attack by a doe that was most likely protecting a hidden fawn nearby.
“Just walking down the street, my dog was on a leash, and all of a sudden I was on the ground,” Tim said.
He said the doe was hiding behind a parked truck before it blindsided him.
“I’m blocking this deer from hitting me in the face, I put my arm up. I’m on my back, kicking at it, yelling. I tried to crawl backward while still on the ground. She kept after me. Finally, after about 10 or 15 feet, I was able to stand. Even then, she still kept coming. I’m swinging, yelling. I got all the way to the crosswalk before she finally gave up.”
Only then did Tim spot a small fawn across the street in an alley, which was likely the reason for the mother’s fierce behavior.
We reached out to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to understand why these encounters are becoming more common and dangerous.
“Dogs are an extra threat to deer,” said Vivica Crowser, a spokesperson for FWP. “So keeping your dog close, keeping it on a leash and just being aware. If you see a doe, even if you don’t see a fawn, assume there’s probably a fawn nearby and maybe take a different direction.”
From mid-May through early August, deer are especially protective of their young. This natural instinct can be triggered simply by walking a dog, which they perceive as predators.
However, it’s not just fawn protection. When people feed deer, whether intentionally or by leaving out food, it can lead to more aggressive behavior.
“When we have people feeding deer, it quickly concentrates them,” Crowser explained. “That not only means more aggressive deer in a particular area, but also invites other predators, like mountain lions, who prey on deer.”
It’s also worth noting that feeding wildlife is illegal in Montana.
If you ever find yourself facing an angry doe, here’s what wildlife experts recommend:
Carry bear spray. Officials say it’s effective on deer, elk, and moose, not just bears.
Back away slowly. Create distance without appearing threatening.
Use your spray if necessary. If the deer continues to come at you, deploy your bear spray.
If you don’t have bear spray, run. Unlike predators such as mountain lions or bears, deer don’t chase for the kill. They’re simply trying to drive you away from their young.
Montana’s natural beauty often comes with wild surprises. So as summer continues, keep your eyes open, your dog leashed and your bear spray handy because you never know when one of those deer might decide you’re too close for comfort.