RSPCA rescues deer trapped in fence near Attleborough
Experts had to cut him free from a fence
A deer's been rescued by the RSPCA, after his head and antlers got stuck in a fence in Norfolk.
The muntjac deer leapt over a wooden fence on farmland at Old Buckenham near Attleborough, but then became stuck in the nylon mesh of some fencing, which had been placed around a pen housing wild fowl.
He was spotted as he thrashed around trying to break free, and the landowner called the RSPCA.
The animal charity estimate the deer had been trapped in the fencing for around 12 hours.
RSPCA inspector Natalie Bartle freed the deer by using a pair of scissors to cut a section of the meshed fencing away and a towel to protect the animal’s head - although she was called on again to make a second rescue after the buck panicked and collided with another fence on the land.
“He was quite entangled by his head and antlers and he was petrified. These types of fences are a problem and it is better if landowners and property owners used more robust ones made of metal, such as was in place around the outer perimeter of this area,” said Inspector Bartle.
“Fortunately, the deer wasn’t hurt, but he was so frightened and ran off so quickly that he got stuck in another fence further down, so I needed to free him again.
“He had a lucky escape as he could have been trapped for longer if he hadn’t been spotted. Deer do get very stressed and it is best that landowners consider the type of fence they are putting up if they know they are in an area inhabited by deer.”
The RSPCA advises that people should exercise care if they come across a deer in situations like this, as they tend to get very frightened and need to be left alone until specialist help arrives.