It is not out of the ordinary for a white-tailed deer to be spotted grazing in the backyard of a New Jersey resident, especially with the weather turning warmer. However, a man in Colts Neck received the surprise of the season last week after spotting something truly bizarre...In the dark, the animal appeared to have a furry brown body, spindly legs and a perfectly circular head, resembling an astronaut’s helmet.
Source: MCSPCA
It was only upon closer examination that the man realised that this mystical creature was in fact a deer, and a troubled one at that.The young deer had somehow managed to get his head trapped in a glass bowl, and if this wasn't strange enough, the buck was also traveling alone.
Source: MCSPCA
Having been ostracised by his family, the buck could only attempt to eat and drink after the herd left their grazing spot. According to The Dodo, theMonmouth County SPCA(MCSPCA) noted in a press release that "certain species will treat members as outcasts if they look different or are injured so to not invite predators ordisrupt the integrity of the herd".Time was of the essence so the homeowner contacted the MCSPCA, along with the NJ Division of Fish and Wilflife to help the young buck out. After being sedated, the glass bowl, which turned out to be a light fixture cover, was removed. The MSPCA wrote on their Facebook page:
The buck was dehydrated from four days without food and water, and had a couple of scrapes probably from the poor visibility, but was able to get up and walk away after we cleaned him up and the sedative had worn off.
While the deer seemed to haveregained some of his strengthonce his head was freed, it was clear that he still needed some help through Easter weekend. The MCSPCA received another call from the concerned neighbour later that day, when he noticed the deer had laid back down and was having difficulty breathing, too weak to find his herd.
Source: MCSPCA
However, after being administered some fluids by a veterinary technician with the MCSPCA, the buck's head "perked right up, and after a few minutes his breathing returned to normal".
Source: MCSPCA
After a few wobbly steps, the deer soon rose to his feet and sprung over the fence and into the wooded area. The young buck can now finally enjoy a time of renewal and happiness after his unfortunate run-in. The press release said:
The Monmouth County SPCA has been told that there is no longer a single deer feeding, so it is happily assumed that he has rejoined his herd.
H/t: The Dodo
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