Conservation officers in the Central Okanagan are asking people to be careful with their pets outdoors, after a dog was attacked and killed in West Kelowna on June 10.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. a woman was walking her two chihuahuas on a leash near the Westgate Mobile Home Park when a mother deer attacked. 

One of the dogs was fatally trampled and the woman was injured in the attack, said David Karn from the B.C. Ministry of the Environment and the

The doe was chased away and the woman was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

Conservation officers were called out to the scene of the incident and determined that the attack was defensive. 

 "The doe was protecting its fawn," said Karn.

The conservation officers then provided public outreach and education to residents in the area and posted signs, warning people of the aggressive deer.

Karn said deer and ungulates are known to become defensive and aggressive in the spring when they have young babies. To prevent attacks, conservation is encouraging people to keep pets on a leash, travel in groups and keep a distance from wild animals. 

The office is also reminding people to not touch baby deer, even if they appear abandoned. 

For more information on staying safe in the outdoors, visit .