The Essential Guide: Injured Deer in Your Backyard

Discovering an injured deer in your backyard can make for a distressing scene. The urge to immediately rush out and help the frightened animal might be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to approach the situation with caution. In many instances, human intervention might actually cause more harm than good. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do when you come across an injured deer in your backyard.

The first thing you should do is to observe from a distance and avoid direct interaction. It’s important not to startle the deer or further stress it since this can exacerbate the injury. Many deer, though they might appear injured, might just be resting or trying to get their bearings after a scare.

Second, assess the situation carefully. Try to identify the type of injury and its severity. Is the deer able to move? Does it have visible wounds, broken limbs, or is it bleeding? Such observation will be vital when you contact a professional.

Your next step is to call the local animal control department, the game warden’s office, or a veterinarian. These professionals have the necessary training to handle wild animals, and they will assess the situation and decide on the best course of action.

While it may be tempting to try and nurse the deer back to health yourself, remember that wild animals can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and pets. Additionally, feeding a deer inappropriate food can worsen its condition or even prove fatal. Letting the professionals handle the situation ensures the best outcome for the deer.

In case you find injured wildlife more often, it may be best to familiarize yourself with local wildlife rescue groups. In Australia, for instance, you could get in touch with Nature and Wildlife Charity Australia, which has a dedicated team of professionals trained to handle injured wildlife.

Besides, educating yourself about the local wildlife can be extremely beneficial. Understanding the behavior of deer and other wildlife may help you avoid potential encounters and prevent accidents. Regular maintenance of your backyard and securing your garden are examples of preventative measures that can help you discourage wild animals from venturing into your backyard.

If an injured deer has taken up residence in your backyard beyond a reasonable time, or if it’s considered a potential danger to people, pets, or property, you could get in touch with your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center. They can guide you on how to encourage the deer to move on without causing it any distress.

To sum it up, when you find an injured deer in your backyard, your primary aim should be to minimize the animal’s stress and not to cause any further harm to it. Always remember to contact the professionals and follow their advice. It’s the best thing you can do both for the deer and for the welfare of your community.