In this guide, we'll show you a few ways to survive a deer or moose attack with some great EDC gear on your hike in the park.
For many of us, going for a walk or hike in the park is daily activity that helps us relax and overcome some of the daily stressors that come from work, relationships, etc.
However, most us fail to account for real life danger that a deer and moose can pose to our safety!
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Avoiding Moose and Deer Attacks
Prevention is the best way to avoid deer and moose attack. Avoid any close contact with deer or moose.
Immediately move away from a buck or doe if you encounter one that does not immediately move away from you. Do not feed or closely approach any deer or moose.
If you turn away and retreat, an attack is much less likely than if you stand your ground or move toward the deer.
Although, they may appear to be very friendly, they can quickly become aggressive and attack.
If a deer or moose begins approaching you aggressively or otherwise, quickly take cover behind a tree and avoid any movement.
Deer and moose are most aggressive during spring and fall.
Surviving a Deer or Moose Attack
If you're out on a park trail and a deer or moose attacks you, protect yourself with EDC self defense gear. EDC is a category of essential everyday carry items that include self defense weapons.
You're best option is to use a firearm, but make sure you have a proper concealed carry holster.
EDC Firearms
Firearms are loud, they pack a punch, are very deadly if used properly, and can quickly stop a moose or deer attack.
This makes firearms very effective when you're trying to survive a deer or moose attack.
Read our guide about Concealed Carry Laws on State and National Parks.
Other EDC Self Defense Gear
If a firearm is not an option, use bear mace spray or any typical EDC pepper spray that may be more convenient to carry.
This can be a very painful deterrent to keep the deer or moose from getting into close contact with you.
EDC pocket knife can be useful in a close contact situation when you're within arms length of the deer or moose. This will allow you to stab or cut the moose where it hurts the most.
Read more about how to effectively use a knife to defend yourself!
If a Deer or Moose Attack Knocks You on the Ground
Worst case scenario is getting knocked to the ground by a deer or moose attack.
The best thing you can do in this situation is curl up into fetal position, do not make any sudden movements, and protect your head, neck, and abdomen.
If you're lucky, the deer or moose will deliver a few blows, realize you're not a threat and leave
Prevention is the best way to avoid deer and moose attack. Keep your distance and avoid any close contact with deer or moose.
Do Moose and Deer Attack Humans?
For those us that walk, hike, or even bike in the park on daily basis, seeing a deer or a moose is pretty common thing. We usually don't think twice about it and keep moving.
Deer are typically docile and timid, hence they run away when they see humans, but there few times throughout the year when deer can pose a serious danger to humans and the potential for deer attack increases substantially.
Moose are in the same family as deer, but they're much more dangerous than deer.
Although moose appear to be slow and gentle, they easily feel threatened and can become aggressive very fast. Biggest threat from moose is their size with some weighing in over 1,500 lbs.
Both deer and moose can grow hooves that are several feel long with sharp edges.
Seasonal Factors
Many deer and moose attacks occur during spring and fall. Although, an encounter with a moose should be considered much more dangerous than a deer, both deer and moose are the most dangerous during spring and fall.
During spring, does are very protective of their spring and can be become very aggressive to any close encounter.
During fall, hormone filled bucks are much more aggressive as they pursue does and challenge competitors.
Yes, they'll mistakenly challenge humans that to a buck filled with testosterones can easily appear to be a challenger.
Lose of Habitat
Deer population is growing fast in the US and deer are quickly becoming accustomed to human presence as we encroach on their natural habitat.
As we invade their habitat, they will have more contact with humans, which will increase the chances of deer attack.
Final Thoughts
Recently, I found myself walking on a secluded park trail during Spring season when I encountered a a large buck standing in my path.
Even though, I was conceal carrying my EDC, Glock 19, I chose to turn away and retreat, as the buck continued to stand it's ground and not back down since prevention is the best way to avoid an attack.
Although I retreated I felt like a winner. Being prepared with my EDC gear made me feel safe and secure. I felt ready and prepared to defend myself from any threat including a deer or moose attack.
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