The Rescued Deer

Blog The Rescued Deer

by Wilson Tree Surgery | 31st Aug 2023

On 7th of August Andrew Titmuss, one of our surveyors, found a deer in a field caught up in some plastic webbing in Tunbridge Wells. 

On approach, Andrew realised that the deer’s antlers were caught up in the webbing. The frightened and nervous deer was distressed and didn’t know how to escape and Andrew didn’t approach as to avoid causing more stress to the animal or injury to himself. Andrew phoned Folly Wildlife Rescue who advised him to keep the area clear and stay on site until the wildlife team arrived and the deer was rescued. The wildlife team then sedated the deer, removed the plastic webbing, cleaned him up and checked him over before waiting for him to come around and return to the woodland. 

 

In our Surveyor, Andrew’s own words “In a chance encounter while surveying, I stumbled upon a deer ensnared in plastic webbing, helpless and trapped. A call to Folly Wildlife Rescue Centre set the wheels of compassion in motion. Their skilled team arrived, carefully sedated the deer, and delicately liberated its antlers from the entangling plastic. With meticulous care, they ensured the deer’s health before letting it awaken. As the tranquilliser’s effects waned, the deer gracefully rose and disappeared into the embrace of the woodland. This tale reminds us that human kindness and wildlife rescue can intertwine to script heartwarming conclusions for those who share our planet.”

Andrew’s actions lead to the ultimate rescue of the deer and his quick thinking ensured that both himself and the animal were safe. He has been praised by UKPN, Folly Wildlife Rescue and all of us at Wilsons for stepping in during this incident. In the UK alone, 3 million wild animals are shot, snared or trapped every year and 200,000 are injured and admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centres – this doesn’t include the further 1 million that are killed by cars. Any action taken to prevent human harm to wildlife across the UK is admirable. 

Folly Wildlife Rescue is situated in the Broadwater Forest near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Folly Wildlife Rescue Trust is a charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and distressed wild animals and birds throughout West Kent, East Sussex and the surrounding region.

Thanks to the team at Folly for being so responsible and helping save the day. We highly recommend contacting the team if you come across any animals that need their services.

If you come across a deer within an urban area you often don’t need to do anything. Deer are generally solitary and are often anxious around humans, so it is advised that they are left alone if they appear to be safe. However, in an occasion where a deer appears to be distressed and/or potentially aggressive, it is recommended that you keep your distance and contact your local wildlife rescue. For any questions about how to handle deer in different situations or to find out more about these animals, please visit https://bds.org.uk/ 

Wilson Tree Surgery are committed to protecting our environment and the wildlife that is around us. Our various initiatives such as team litter picking and tree planting are just some of the ways that we strive to leave areas better than we found them. Please visit our website to find out more about our commitment to the environment.