A wild deer faced a frightening ordeal after getting hopelessly tangled in sports netting in Somerset’s Polden Hills. The distressing discovery prompted swift action from RSPCA rescuers, who feared the delicate animal’s survival was at risk due to the stress caused by entrapment.
On Wednesday, December 17, RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel and animal rescue officer Alison Sparkes responded to the incident. They carefully and swiftly worked to free the timid deer from the netting, ultimately releasing her unharmed back into the wild.
Jo Daniel explained, “Deer are extremely sensitive to stress, and getting trapped like this can lead to fatal muscle breakdown. Sometimes, the stress is so severe that euthanasia is the kindest option to avoid prolonged suffering. Thankfully, after consulting with our wildlife vet at the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre, we were able to safely release this deer.”
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Jo reflected on the rescue: “It was a challenging situation, but seeing this beautiful animal run free was incredibly rewarding. While the weather conditions weren’t ideal, the positive outcome was a festive success.”
The RSPCA emphasized that wild animals experience emotions such as fear and pain, highlighting the importance of community awareness during winter months. The charity appealed to the public to support their efforts by joining the Big Give Back to Animals campaign, which aims to provide crucial care for wildlife in need.
Sports netting, while providing entertainment for humans, poses a hidden danger to wildlife. Animals often become trapped during the night and can suffer silently for hours before being discovered, sometimes requiring sedation and veterinary care to be freed. Simply removing or securing nets when not in use can prevent such incidents.
The RSPCA encourages everyone to take small actions to protect wildlife, reminding homeowners and sports enthusiasts alike to store nets safely. Guidance on assisting wild animals in distress is available on the RSPCA website.