NC wildlife officials warn public about deer attacks following incidents across the state

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A recent cluster of deer attacks in several North Carolina counties has prompted wildlife officials to warn residents not to feed, approach or attempt to care for wild deer - especially during the height of mating season , when bucks naturally become more aggressive.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) said it is illegal to keep deer as pets and unsafe to try to tame or hand-feed them.

Several of this year's attacks involved deer that were likely raised illegally by humans or routinely fed by neighbors, causing the animals to lose their natural fear of people.

Over the past year, deer attacks have been reported in Rockingham, Randolph, Wilkes, Onslow, Iredell and Cherokee counties.

Some of the most serious incidents include a 70-year-old woman wh