When you hear the term “dangerous animals” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably something like wolves, bears, or mountain lions. While all three can certainly do serious damage to a person if they choose to attack, Yosemite National Park’s most dangerous animal is a little bit different than those.
Mule deer are especially common throughout Yosemite Valley, munching on leaves and twigs from trees, grass, and herbs. Male mule deer grow antlers each year, using them to determine the dominance hierarchy both visually and through jousting. They might seem like rather peaceful, harmless animals, but they’re responsible for more injuries in Yosemite than any other animal.
Deer are wild and skittish animals, and they’ll lash out and defend themselves with their sharp antlers and hooves if startled. People are most frequently injured by mule deer while trying to approach or feed them. One case even led to a human fatality.
Wildlife, including mule deer, should always be given a wide amount of space and should never be fed by humans. Not only is it dangerous to approach or feed animals, it’s also illegal in Yosemite. Feeding wildlife can cause them to become too accustomed to humans, leading to further risk of injury for both people and the animals. Read more on Yosemite wildlife safety below.
Yosemite National Park Wildlife Safety:
“Very few people have been killed by wildlife in Yosemite, but injuries occur each year and are usually due to the actions of people rather than actions of animals. Respect animals at a distance: never feed or approach them. If you encounter wildlife, maintain a safe distance. Animals are unpredictable and may respond to a perceived threat with instinctive “fight or flight” behavior. If an animal approaches you, it is your responsibility to move away to maintain a safe distance (except in the case of a bear, which you should attempt to scare away). Do not allow animals to get your food. Contact with humans can result in animals becoming comfortable around people and alter their diets and behavior, making them less suitable to survive in the wild.“
