A deer has been successfully released by the RSPCA after becoming entangled with another by rope in Oxfordshire
The recent incident involved two bucks whose antlers had become tangled together, after becoming caught in rope in Sonning Common near Henley.
Animal rescue officers Chelsea Dale and Marie Stevens from the RSPCA were called to help by a passer-by who spotted the animals’ plight.
One of the deer had already died before they were spotted.
Ms Stevens said that when they arrived, the situation was "both challenging and distressing" for them.
She said: “The surviving deer was clearly terrified, dragging the other, which had sadly already died, as their antlers were tangled together with rope.
"It was a very difficult sight, and you could see how stressful it was for him, and I can only imagine how upsetting it must have been for the passer-by who found them.
“Fortunately, I was able to lasso the buck by his antlers and secure him to a tree, which allowed us to safely cut away the rope and free him.
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“It was clear that we needed to act carefully and quickly to save him. Deer are particularly susceptible to stress and, in many cases, tragically do not survive for very long after being trapped due to stress-induced muscle breakdown.
"Sadly, in some cases, it is kinder and the best option for their welfare to put them to sleep to prevent the risk of a painful death hours later.
"However, following a thorough assessment, we were delighted to be able to release the deer back to the wild.
“This was a challenging rescue and we’d like to thank the caller for alerting us.”
The RSPCA is reminding people of the dangers that discarded rope, netting and similar materials can pose to wildlife.
Ms Stevens added: “This is a stark reminder as to the risks that many outdoor objects - such as rope and netting - can pose to wildlife.
"It’s sadly common for male deer to have their antlers tangled up, so it’s vital that such materials are properly removed after use, to prevent this from happening.
“It only takes a few minutes to clear up after yourself, but it could save an animal’s life - and we’re always grateful to those who look out for wildlife.
"Those who want to keep doing their bit can also sign up to become an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, to help make a real difference for animals in their communities.”
Oxfordshire is home to several deer species, with Roe deer and Muntjac being the most common and widespread across the county's woodlands and farmland.
Fallow deer are also present, particularly in woodland areas such as Wytham Woods and in some parklands.
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