A woman was viciously attacked by a deer after taking snaps of it giving birth to a fawn.
The protective animal was seen standing on its hind legs to “box” the photographer like a kangaroo.
The woman was forced to cover her head with her hands as she cowered on the ground.
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Several onlookers rushed to help her as the doe repeatedly whacked her head with its hooves.
The sika deer (Cervus nippon) turned aggressive after the woman took a close-up photo of it caring for its newborn fawn.
She squatted in the bushes for the best camera angle but was spotted by the protective mother.
The deer attack took place in a park in the Chinese city of Dalian, located west of the border with North Korea.
The woman suffered multiple cuts and bruises all over her upper body, according to local reports.
She was taken to a nearby health centre in a stable condition.
The video went viral on Chinese social networks where many locals blamed her actions for spooking the doe, as reported by What’s The Jam.
One said: “Isn’t that just asking for it?”
Another added: “Luckily, she wasn’t photographing a tiger giving birth.”
“Why did she get so close?” asked a third.
The local authorities reminded residents to not approach or photograph wild animals up close, even if they appear docile.
They pointed out that mothers have an instinctive reaction to protect their young, especially during the birthing process.
Officials are reportedly considering moving the deer herd from city areas to the forest to ensure their safety and that of the local population.
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