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  • 228 W. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946

Deer

Deer

deer

The largest and the most controversial mammal indigenous to the remaining forests of Long Island’s East End is the white-tailed deer. This creature finds it easy to live near humans and is quite adaptable to our rapidly changing geography. Unfortunately, there are no predators to thin out the herds of deer that literally surround us. The human population is also rapidly growing. This combination leads to more and more encounters with this swift population. We feel we owe it to our wild neighbors to assist with their injuries, especially when they are caused by humans.

Rescue Tips:

If the deer is lying down and cannot get up, contact us immediately. Deer can be very dangerous to handle and most need to be tranquilized for transport. If an injured deer is standing, take no action for the following reasons:

a. Deer probably won’t be there by the time someone gets there
b. Deer can do perfectly fine on 3 legs.
c. Deer may run away after being darted with tranquilizer.
d. Deer may die after being tranquilized.

Deer Trapped in Fenced-In Area
Please – do not chase the deer or herd it towards an open gate! This will only frighten the deer to move and cause it to thrash against the fence, fatally injuring itself. Tell children to stay away and keep pets inside. Do not peer out the windows from inside. Better yet – leave the house for awhile. The deer will find its way out of an open gate if the area is quiet.

Fawns
Mother deer do not stay with their babies. Mother deer purposely leave their fawns for long periods of time so as not to draw attention or her scent to the fawn. Don’t assume the mother is dead. If there is a dead deer in the road, was it lactating? Never try to raise a fawn yourself. Not only is it illegal, it will result in a tame animal that has no chance of survival in the wild. Before you intervene, ask yourself the following questions:

a. Is the fawn laying on its side?
b. Are there flies buzzing around the animal?
c. Has the baby been crying for more than 6 hours?
d. Is the baby following people around?

If no to all questions, leave baby alone! If yes, to any of the above, contact us immediately.

 
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