DEER

Deer are powerful, nervous and can cause injury by kicking or bucking and
should only be handled by experienced personnel. Once you have established
that a deer is in need of assistance contact your local wildlife rescue
centre for advice.

WHEN TO ASSIST

The deer has been hit by car: 

Any deer that are hit by cars should be covered with a blanket until an
experienced handler arrives from your local wildlife rescue centre. Do not
try to drag the animal off the road, as this can cause extreme agony for
the deer.  Contact your local wildlife rescue centre for advice.

Animal can be approached:

Deer are naturally suspicious of people and will run away when they see
you.

Leg appears damaged:

Fractures can be treated at a wildlife hospital. However, deer with only
one leg damaged are extremely difficult to catch are they can still run as
fast. Monitor the animal, keeping your local wildlife rescue centre
informed of its condition. They will be able to decide on the best plan to
catch the deer.

Dragging both hind legs:

Can indicate a spinal injury. Call for assistance immediately. Do not try
to move the animal.

Attacked by dog:

A deer that has been attacked by a dog is likely to be badly wounded and
in shock. It will need medical assistance immediately.

Caught in a fence - do not release straight away:

Even if a deer has no obvious wounds when first released from a fence, it
must not be released straight away. It can take up to a week for a
condition called 'pressure necrosis' to develop, at which time the skin
will begin to die away, and open wounds will appear.

Any apparent orphan showing an injury:

Any injured orphan must have medical assistance.

WHEN TO LEAVE ALONE

When you are not trained to handle deer.

Single apparent orphan:

Deer leave their young alone hiding in the grass, for long periods of
time. Always observe from a safe distance for at least 12 hours before
assuming a fawn has been abandoned.

When you would endanger yourself or others:

Never put yourself or others in danger. Contact your local wildlife rescue
centre for advice.