Israel Nature and Parks Authority reported on Saturday that a hiker was slightly injured after being attacked by a Dama deer in a nature reserve in the Jerusalem hills.
The man approached the deer wishing to snap some photos of the animal that was drinking from a spring, when he was attacked and suffered mild injuries to his hand.
Deer drinking from a natural spring
(Video: Israel Nature and Parks Authority spokesperson)
According to the Nature and Parks Authority, the deer was in the middle of its estrous cycle, otherwise known as the period of sexual receptivity amongst mammals.
The Dama deer, also known as the fallow deer, is native to the Mediterranean region.
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The mild injury of the hiker who photographed the deer
(Photo: Israel Nature and Parks Authority spokesperson)
Ilan Shipman, Director of the Shfela and Hill Area at the Nature and Parks Authority, explained that the Judaean Hills are home to about 100 natural springs, most of which are located outside of the areas designated for hikers.
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The deer that attacked the hiker
(Photo: Israel Nature and Parks Authority spokesperson)
He said that the fallow deer, in contrast to the gazelles, drink water from the springs rather than from dew that accumulates on surrounding plants.
The Nature and Parks Authority warned that, during their estrus phase, the deer are aggressive and have can be dangerous to human beings, thus warned hikers to keep their distance if they stumble upon one.