North Carolina Warns: Deer Attacks Rise After Fed Or Illegally Raised Deer Become Habituated

North Carolina Officials Warn of Rising Deer Attacks

North Carolina wildlife officials are warning residents after a noticeable increase in deer attacks across the state in 2025. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) issued a Dec. 1 statement reporting multiple incidents in six counties — Rockingham, Randolph, Wilkes, Onslow, Iredell and Cherokee — many involving deer that had been fed or illegally raised and thus desensitized to humans.

On Nov. 6, a 70-year-old person was gored near a mailbox and required hospitalization. An Oct. 21 attack by an illegally raised buck left a woman scraped, punctured and bruised, and officials also report a fed deer later killed a resident's pet dog. The NCWRC says habituated deer can behave unpredictably, particularly during the rut when male deer become more aggressive.

"Deer that lose their fear of humans can act in abnormal ways," said April Boggs Pope, a deer scientist. "That male deer that seemed fine or friendly during the rest of the year can become dangerously aggressive during the rut. A male fawn that is treated like a pet can become a danger as an adult when hormones surge during mating season. Deer antlers and hooves can inflict serious injuries."

The commission reminded the public that it is unlawful in North Carolina to hold most native wildlife, including mammals and wild birds, for companionship or amusement. Deer may only be kept legally under a wildlife captivity license issued by the NCWRC for scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes.

Although feeding deer is not illegal in most parts of the state, the NCWRC strongly advises against hand-feeding. Officials warn that human-provided foods lack the diverse nutrition deer obtain from natural foraging, increasing the animals' risk of malnutrition and poor health. Habituated deer that injure people often must be euthanized to protect public safety.

"Attempting to domesticate a wild deer creates safety concerns for people, and it rarely ends well for the deer," said Colleen Olfenbuttel, a game mammals and surveys supervisor. "People trying to tame wild deer may think they are helping, but they put the animals at higher risk — and if a deer attacks a person, it may have to be euthanized."

To reduce future incidents, the NCWRC urges residents who suspect someone is illegally raising deer or who need help managing human-deer conflicts to contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline for guidance on safe, legal options.