Municipal guards in Zakopane to deter deer and fawns entering the city

As the authorities in Zakopane warn, there have been two incidents in the past week where deer attacked pedestrians. Consequently, officials have announced daily patrols by the guards.

The attacks occurred near Rówień Krupowa, where women passing by were injured and transported to the hospital.

"Another deer attack on a tourist will certainly prompt action from the Municipal Guard, as we are dealing with a threat to human health and life. Patrols will be deployed daily in the Rówień Krupowa area and will take action in situations where the animals display aggressive behavior toward humans," said Agata Pacelt-Mikler from the Zakopane City Office.

According to the City Office, since deer and fawns began appearing on the streets of Zakopane, municipal guards have taken action regarding these wild animals several hundred times. Most often, the fawns and deer have been chased away from busy streets, where they pose a danger to traffic. There have also been cases where officers had to rescue the lives and health of animals that, fleeing in panic, often injured themselves or even got stuck in fences.

"In order to prevent such incidents, the relevant departments of the City Office are conducting educational activities to raise awareness among tourists and residents about the risks associated with encounters with wild animals, including petting or feeding them, which unfortunately also happens. This includes the creation of informational and warning boards and posters that have been installed at Rówień Krupowa. Waste bins are being gradually replaced with ones that have appropriate coverings to deter wild animals from accessing them," stated the City Office.

Residents of Zakopane have already become accustomed to herds of fawns grazing at Rówień Krupowa and deer wandering the streets. Recently, two bucks competing for females engaged in a duel in the city center. Unaware of the danger, tourists often approach wild animals and even feed them by hand. Naturalists from the Tatra National Park also urge people not to approach wild animals encountered in the area and especially not to feed them.