A Comprehensive Guide: Injured Deer – Who To Call For Help

Wildlife, especially complex creatures like deer, often find themselves ill-equipped to handle the challenges imposed by human societies. Encountering an injured, sick, or orphaned deer can be an emotionally stirring experience, and it’s important for citizens to know how to respond appropriately. Understanding who to call can help the deer receive the necessary assistance it may need while minimizing further harm or stress.

Assessing the Situation

When you encounter an injured or distressed deer, the first step is to assess the situation from a safe distance. If the deer is in a position where it might be dangerous (such as on a road), or if you see obvious injuries such as limping, broken limbs or visible wounds, then it is evident that professional intervention is needed.

Rescue Animals: Certified Wildlife Rehabilitators

The safe and ethical choice for helping injured wildlife, including deer, is to contact certified wildlife rehabilitators. These are professionals specially trained to take care of injured, sick or orphaned wildlife. Wildlife rehabilitators have the knowledge and equipment needed to handle and nurse injured animals back to health with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

Local Animal Control or Environmental Police

If a wildlife rehabilitator is not available immediately in your vicinity, the local animal control agency must be contacted. They have resources for handling such situations, and they can contact a certified wildlife rehabilitator if necessary. In some regions, the environmental police or game wardens are better qualified and resourced to handle injured deer. They know the local vets who have experience in dealing with wildlife and can transport the deer if needed.

Dealing with Fawns or Young Deer

It’s worth noting that finding a fawn (young deer) alone does not necessarily mean it is in distress or in need of help. Does (mother deer) often leave their fawns alone for several hours while they forage for food. If you find a fawn alone, it is recommended not to touch it or try to move it. Instead, monitor from a distance and contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the mother does not return after a day.

Stay Educated and Prepared

The best way to assist wildlife is to be prepared and educated. Understanding who to call in these situations is key. Keep numbers of local animal control, environmental police, or wildlife rehabilitators handy in case of an emergency. When calling, try to provide accurate details about the location and condition of the deer. Every effort to help can generate a positive impact in our shared environment and foster better coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Lastly, everyone can contribute to wildlife preservation in day-to-day lives by driving responsibly, keeping domestic pets under control, safeguarding our environment, and promoting awareness about wildlife. Remember, sometimes, the best support we can offer these wonderful creatures isn’t about being their rescuers but their guardians in our shared home – the Earth.