Discovering an injured deer can be a distressing experience. The sight of an animal in distress might evoke a heartfelt need to help. However, it's crucial to remember that wild deer are subject to laws and professional practices aimed at ensuring their well-being and the broader ecological balance. Here's a guide on what to do if you encounter an injured deer in West Sussex.
Assess the Situation from a Safe Distance
Approaching a wild animal, even when injured, can be dangerous both for you and the deer. It’s advisable to assess the situation from a safe distance, noting down any obvious injuries, the deer’s location, and whether it's causing a potential hazard, like being on or near a road.
Record the Exact Location
Regrettably, the omission of noting the exact location of an injured deer is a common oversight. This can sometimes prolong the distress of the deer. By utilising the what3words website or app, you can provide the precise location, ensuring that the injured deer can be located without delay. https://what3words.com/
Notify the Authorities
If the deer is on a highway, the first port of call should be Sussex Police on 101. They will designate an authorised deer warden in the vicinity to handle the situation professionally. We at Wildscape Deer Management are often called upon via this channel for highway incidents involving deer.
Call a Professional Deer Manager
In other circumstances, contacting a professional deer manager is the most responsible action. Wildscape Deer Management provides an Emergency Injured Deer Call Out service in West Sussex. We charge £350 for call-outs within 15 miles of BN16, with a fuel surcharge of 55p per mile beyond this radius. Emergency Injured Deer Call Out.
RSPCA Assistance
We've collaborated with the RSPCA on numerous occasions, especially when deer get entangled in fencing or face other similar predicaments. You might find it suitable to contact the RSPCA, who may dispatch a wildlife officer to your location. RSPCA Contact Page
Contact Wildlife Trusts for Advice
Sussex Wildlife Trust also offers advice on handling injured wildlife and may provide guidance on additional steps you can take while waiting for professional help. Sussex Wildlife Trust - Injured Wildlife
Stay Informed and Prepared
While the above channels are your best bet in handling such situations, educating oneself about deer and their habitat can also be enlightening. It underscores the importance of responsible deer management in maintaining the ecological balance of our countryside.
At Wildscape Deer Management, we are dedicated to ensuring the humane treatment of deer while also educating the community on the importance of deer management. Whether it's an emergency call-out or consultation on deer management practices, we are here to provide the necessary expertise and assistance.
Contact us at info@wildscapedeermanagement.co.uk for more information on how we can support you in responsible deer management practices or in emergencies involving injured deer.
