The mule deer might look approachable, but it doesn’t want to be approached. Photo: Unsplash
When you think of the most dangerous animal in Yosemite National Park, you probably think of bears or mountain lions. Surprisingly, though, the animal responsible for the most injuries each year is neither of those. It’s the mule deer.
While many wild animals can be dangerous if a person ventures too close for a selfie, how an animal looks to an unaware tourist probably has a big hand in how comfortable they are attempting to get close. The mule deer doesn’t look particularly scary — at least not as scary as a bear or a cougar does — so it might seem safer to get that picture for Instagram. But it’s not. They hurt more people each year than anything else in the park. According to Yosemite National Park’s website, one person has even been killed by a mule deer.
“When you think of dangerous wildlife, your mind might go to the mighty black bear or the elusive mountain lion,” Yosemite National Park wrote in a recent Instagram post. “But every year, more injuries in Yosemite are caused by deer than by any other animal in the park.”
Mule deer, which are so called because they have ears resembling a mule’s, are relatively docile animals. Skittish, certainly, but serene as can be when you see them grazing in a meadow. But they have very sharp hooves and very sharp antlers, and when they feel threatened, they will mess you up.
“This happens most often when visitors try to approach or feed them,” the Yosemite post continued. “A good rule to remember: feeding or approaching wildlife in Yosemite is illegal. Not only is this crucial for your safety, but it also helps protect wildlife from becoming too accustomed to humans. While they might appear friendly and adorable, mule deer are, at their core, wild animals that deserve their space.”
