Deer rescue in Hadlow Down

17/11/2009 16:06:47 Deer rescue in Hadlow Down
November 2009. A wildlife rescue charity is asking members of the public not to cut free wildlife, like deer, caught in fencing, netting or snares, but to report it to a rescue organisation instead. The call comes after volunteer rescuers from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) were called to catch an adult stag freed from fencing near Hadlow Down.

"A passing motorist saw the deer caught in fencing near the road and decided to cut it free, but unfortunately left loads of wire and attached to the antlers." said Trevor Weeks, Rescue Co-ordinator for East Sussex WRAS. "I can see why people think they are doing the right thing by cutting them free, but leaving wire or netting attached means they may well get entangled later on."

Deer was tangled in a tree stump
Luckily a member of the public reported the deer being cut free to the Kit Wilson Trust at Hadlow Down, who promptly investigated. The deer had run across a field and over a fence before becoming entangled on a tree stump. Realising that the rescue was not going to be easy the Kit Wilson Trust called in help from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS).

The deer had again become entangled, this time with a tree stump. Credit WRAS

Trevor Weeks, Rescue Co-ordinator for WRAS based in Uckfield, helped by his partner Kathy and fellow rescuer Tony Neads met with staff from the Kit Wilson Trust to mount a rescue mission. Approaching from three sides, Trevor led the team in a cautious approach.

"Luckily the deer was unable to move far but we had to be very careful as you don't want to be kicked. As we approached the deer managed to pull the small tree stump out of the ground but, luckily, I was able to pin its antlers and shoulders to the ground and was swiftly joined by the others. Staff from Kit Wilson Trust cut the wire whilst the deer was pinned to the ground and secured" said Trevor.

Freed unharmed
The deer had two strands of wire under its head as well as caught round its antlers which would not have worked loose without help. Once the wire and strands of electric fencing were removed from the deer, Trevor undertook a brief assessment before everyone stood clear releasing the deer, which jumped up and ran off into the woods free and out of danger.

Please call for help
"East Sussex WRAS is urging people who find deer, foxes, badgers, hedgehogs or any other animal caught in fencing, netting, or snares not to cut them free but to call for help. All too often we get called to re-capture wildlife which has been cut free. This is much more dangerous than if they were rescued and secured where they were first found. When caught by legs, wings, or round the body in any way, ligature wounds can cause serious internal injuries, like "Button", the baby fallow deer recently rescued at Dane Hill. Being able to see where the wire is applying pressure is important for the treatment of the animal afterwards." said Trevor Weeks.

More information about Kit Wilson Trust and East Sussex Wildlife Rescue can be found at http://www.kitwilsontrust.org.uk/ and at http://www.wildlifeambulance.org/ where donations can also be made.