by

 

When the subject of "Deer People" is introduced, those who know the term usually think of the Native Creation myths and legends. Or perhaps the gentle Deer Woman who assists Native maidens. But there seems to be something different, something darker that makes it's way into some peoples' lives. Chance encounters that are frightening. An encounter with a predator.

Almost every Native group has their stories of a Deer People associated with the stars and maidens. Mostly they are creation myths. Creation of a species, creation of new life and they may talk of the stars involved. Either going into the heavens, or a star coming down. There is a Deer Woman that helps young Native women either find a mate, or have a child. And there is a slightly darker version of one who punishes men who stray from their women. And a darker version of a Deer Man who frightens hunters with screams and running past them. This last one could be related to what is being reported.

I first ran across some stories in a book I was reading. And as I looked further, I found people talking of their experiences anonymously on blog sites. Discovering even more accounts of strange encounters with strange "Deer", it became clear that this might not be just someone's imagination.

I explored other possible explanations which I will go into later. For now, let's take a look at some of the encounters.

Let's start close to my home with Ohio.