What to Do With Injured Wildlife

March 2, 2011

Question: We have seen an injured buck in our neighborhood with a gash in his left hind leg and bone sticking out. It’s swollen, probably infected and he can’t put any weight on that leg at all. I don’t see how it will get better and he doesn’t seem to have much to look forward to other than a lot of suffering and a painful death. He needs to either be given a fighting chance by tranquilizing and treating him or to be put out of his misery so this injury won’t fester and cause him to suffer anymore. Is there anything someone can do? (Jennifer P., Pacific Grove)

Answer: There are wildlife rehabilitation facilities that are able to help fawns in some situations, but for safety reasons they cannot possess or take in adult deer. According to Nicole Carion, DFG’s statewide coordinator for wildlife rehabilitation and restricted species, adult deer can be very dangerous and do not fare well in captivity to undergo medical treatment, so a rescue is not a good option. In this particular case, it sounds like humane euthanasia may be the best solution.

Unfortunately, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) does not have the manpower to respond to most injured wild animal calls. You should still report injured wildlife to your local DFG office. If there is someone who can respond, they will do so. The DFG may also be able to coordinate with local animal control to help an injured animal. It’s best to leave wildlife alone though, for safety reasons and because human interference in most cases is not beneficial. This buck may succumb to his injuries, but there are many times when deer can survive severe injuries; they just need time to heal. Thank you for caring about wildlife.

For more information on what to do about sick or injured wildlife, please see the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/LivingWithWildlife/.

What do we do if we find a Canadian goose with a hook in his wing and also a few feathers clipped off?

High Hill Ranch will take the Canadian Goose.

Two options:  One, scavengers need to eat.  Two, fire up the BBQ.