Dog dies in deer attack, woman hospitalized in West Kelowna

A deer defending its fawn killed a dog and sent a woman to hospital in West Kelowna, conservation officials say.

It happened around 5:30 p.m. PT on Monday near the Westgate Mobile Home Park.

According to the BC Conservation Officer Service, a woman was walking her two Chihuahuas on a leash in the area when the animals were attacked by a deer.

One of the dogs was trampled and killed and the woman was treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

In an emailed statement, the Nature Conservation Service concluded that it was a defensive attack because the doe was protecting a fawn.

“At this time of year, deer and ungulates are often out with their young and are more likely to become aggressive,” the service said in an email.

Signs have been posted in the area warning the public about the deer.