A baby deer whose skin was “ripped to the bone” after it got tangled in barbed wire has been released back into the wild following three months of intensive care.
The young European fallow deer was found “hanging” from a fence before it was cut free by a quick-thinking passerby.
A spokesperson for Cuan Wildlife Rescue said: “The finder managed to cut him free, but sadly the wire had ripped open his skin all the way down to his bone.”
The centre’s vet stitched up the deep wound, but it was feared the fawn might have suffered permanent nerve damage to his leg and pelvis, as reported by Need To Know.
The centre, based in Shropshire, said: “Luckily, he started standing on his leg again very quickly and showed clear signs that he had no mobility issues.
“As he was so young, we had to bottle feed him to begin with until we were happy he was browsing enough on his own.
“After a couple of months in care, he was completely weaned onto solid foods and showing clear signs he knew how to forage for himself.”
The plucky youngster was finally released back into the wild at the weekend – to a spot where rescuers can still keep an eye on him.
The spokesman said: “And where there were other fallow deer around, he could join with them.
“He is still being seen and still growing well.
“Sadly, we get a lot of calls about deer stuck in fences, and most of the time the outcome is not this positive.
“When suspended for a long time, blood circulation is cut off to vital areas of the body. Animals can dislocate and cause nerve damage to limbs from trying to get free.”
Each year, Cuan Wildlife Rescue treats over 6,000 animals – and says fencing is one of the biggest dangers facing wildlife.
The spokesman added: “Even in a short space of time, a trapped animal can be subjected to severe fly strike.
“This year so far, we have dealt with 65 deer, 19 of which have been caught in fences or in fencing materials.”
Fallow deer typically weigh between 31 and 63kg, live up to 16 years, and are commonly found across England, Wales, Ireland and southern Scotland.
The rescue hopes the young deer’s remarkable recovery will raise awareness about the dangers of barbed wire and remind landowners to regularly check their fences for trapped animals.
READ MORE: Curious horse Nigel saved after getting stuck in stream
I thought barbed wire was banned from low fences . Is this true or not .