Risk factors for human injury:
(1) during the Fall rut
(2) following some threat (following an attack by a predator, fire, other)
(3) startle or surprise (dense fog, thick brush)
(4) being provoked by the human (who may be intoxicated)
Some protection can be afforded by heavy clothing.
Types of injuries:
(1) bites, usually to the arms or legs (bite wounds)
(2) foreleg kicks (may cause lethal cuts since the hooves are sharp)
(3) gouging with antlers (penetrating wounds)
(4) crush injury as the deer is running or bounding (blunt injury)
A male deer may not use his antlers while they are being formed since they will be soft and tender. However, the deer may be short-tempered as a result.
