Why You Should Not Intervene With Adult Deer

Adult deer experience extreme stress when humans approach or attempt to handle them. Even a well-intended intervention can cause capture myopathy, a stress-related condition that can be fatal hours or days later.

Deer are also remarkably resilient and often recover from injuries that look severe to humans.

When an Adult Deer Needs Professional Help

Contact a licensed wildlife professional if:

• The deer cannot stand or move on its own.

• The deer appears to have a broken back or neck.

• The deer is severely injured and clearly suffering.

Do not attempt to restrain, move, or transport an adult deer yourself.
Doing so can seriously injure you and worsen the deer’s condition.

The Best Way to Help Deer

The safest and most humane response is to limit human interaction and involve trained wildlife professionals when necessary.

Giving deer space — or getting expert help quickly — gives them the best chance to survive.