The Town of Okotoks received a report of an aggressive deer encounter involving a family walking three dogs Wednesday morning.

Christa Michailuck, parks manager, says the dogs were on leashes along the escarpment pathway adjacent to Hunter’s Crescent around 9 a.m. when a doe began to act aggressively and attacked one of the dogs, causing the owners to let go of the leashes. She says she believes the walkers might have unknowingly gotten between the doe and her fawn.

Michailuck says deer are more commonly found in town near the river valley.

"The river valley is probably the main wild life corridor in Okotoks so it is important if you're taking dogs down there that they are leashed to minimize wildlife conflicts, however, dogs are perceived as a threat to deer, especially when they have fawns."

Map of where the incident took place along the escarpment pathway adjacent to Hunter’s Crescent.

Michailuck says there's a few tips residents should keep in mind when they head out with their pets for exercise.

"You need to be willing to let your dog go if you're being approached by a deer," she says. "I see a lot of people walking in close proximity to deer throughout town, not just in the river valley. Make sure you can give wildlife a wide birth and that you're not getting too close to them or wait to move on."

Problem wildlife signage has been posted in the area of the incident.

Any wildlife incidents should be reported to RCMP and Fish and Wildlife, and parks management should be notified.