Alarmed by a loud roar, a hiker in the Allgäu Alps near Bad Hindelang in southern Germany called the police emergency number, believing he was about to be attacked by a bear, officers said on Sunday.
The roaring could be clearly heard over the phone, police said. They identified the source of the roar as a male deer that was rutting, or making loud roaring sounds during the mating season.
After some reassurance from the officers, the hiker realized he was not in danger and managed to walk past the deer while keeping a safe distance.
The scenic region is a popular destination for hiking and for winter sports.