I've encountered them on the road, too, but have never been attacked. The biggest danger is that they are so unpredictable. If they panic, you have no idea which way they will jump and they can change course, suddenly. I usually try to gently shoo them off the road and ride by, slowly.

Love the sunrise pics, AZ. What lovely country, too.

Tried more ice riding, today, but the wind was gusting up over 25 mph and the temp was only 5 above. Just brutally cold. I'm crazy, but not that crazy, so cut the ride, short, and headed back home. Will try, again, tomorrow.