A ROE deer buck has been successfully rehabilitated and released into the wild by Secret World Wildlife Rescue after getting stuck in security fencing near North Petherton.

Staff at Secret World believe the buck got itself stuck when trying to escape after wandering into a small industrial estate and getting its horns caught in the galvanised bars.

When help from Secret World arrived the deer was in a highly stressed state, trying to force its way through the fence and wounding itself in the process.

“The rescue was a challenge.

“We were indebted to a crew from Bridgwater fire station who attended with the appropriate equipment to part the bars just enough to allow the deer to be released,” said Graeme Thompson, one of Secret World’s volunteer response drivers.

In addition to the extensive wounds to neck and chin that it had inflicted on itself, the deer experienced temporary blindness - a response to the deep trauma that it had suffered.

After being contained, the deer was taken via Quantock Veterinary Hospital to Secret World, where it remained under care and close supervision for almost four weeks.

For the duration of its stay it was kept in Secret World’s specialised deer confinement room, which has padded walls to prevent self-harm and is kept in dim light for much of the time to induce calm.

Appropriate treatment was given to the wounds and a Quantock vet visited regularly to assess progress until the deer’s sight had fully returned and it was judged to be fit for release.

The deer was released close to where it was rescued in North Petherton.

Graeme added: “When the transport crate was opened the deer remained reluctant to emerge, as he took in the scene before him.

“The deer soon headed for the cover of the bushes surrounding the release site.

“We were all pleased to see him run off safe and sound.”

For more information about Secret World in East Huntspill and its work, visit secretworld.org.