Fears Aberdeenshire fireworks display played role in deer cliff fall
The animal was found seriously injured on Sunday
There are fears a deer found at the bottom of cliffs in Aberdeenshire fell after being spooked by a nearby fireworks display.
New Arc Wildlife Rescue had to euthanise the animal found in Crovie, nine miles from Macduff, on Sunday.
It was found with catastrophic injuries on the beach just below the cliffs, with a badly fractured jaw, and multiple leg fractures.
The animal welfare group says it does not know for sure what caused the deer to fall but highlighted a nearby firework event may have played a role.
It says fireworks can be problematic for both vulnerable people, pets, livestock and wild animals.
A New Arc Wildlife Rescue social media post read: “We were called to a sad scene today at Crovie.
“A deer was found with catastrophic injuries on the beach just below the cliffs.
“With a badly fractured jaw, and multiple leg fractures, it was clear the deer had fallen from the cliffs above.
“Sadly, due to the extent of the injuries we had no choice but to end the deer's suffering immediately.
“Although we can only speculate as to what caused the deer to fall down the cliff, there was a firework event adjacent to the scene the previous night which may have spooked the deer.”