Dogs Vs. Deer

Winter wildlife

Dogs allowed to run loose in rural areas can be a serious threat to deer.

Wildlife officials from Washington and Idaho say even the gentlest family pet can chase deer to the point of exhaustion during periods of winter stress. Dogs are particularly lethal to deer when the dogs are in groups of two or more.

Both states have laws that set fines for allowing dogs to run at large and track or chase deer. The fines range up to $1,000.

, DataTimes