ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Ashland couple suffered scrapes and bruises from falling down on the sidewalk while defending their two dogs from an irate deer. The dogs were unhurt.
Cyd and Gary Ropp told the Ashland Daily Tidings they were walking downtown Saturday when a deer reared up and attacked their dogs, Australian shepherd and Labrador mixed breeds.
Police Chief Terry Holderness says they have gotten five calls from people reporting deer attacks in recent weeks. He says it happens every year, due to so many deer in town and so many people walking their dogs.
State wildlife biologist Steve Niemela says the deer are defending their fawns. While it is rare the dogs are hurt, one was killed in Cave Junction last weekend.
