Odd Looking Deer Is Rescued After Days With No Food Or Water

New Jersey homeowners are used to seeing deer wander through yards, but one Colts Neck resident spotted something far stranger.

What started as a confusing sight quickly turned into a rescue after the deer was found to have gone days without food or water. The odd-looking animal had clearly been struggling, and the reason behind its strange appearance made the situation even more urgent.

By the time help arrived, the mystery deer had already become the kind of story neighbors would not forget anytime soon. Upon closer inspection, it turns out that this strange creature was actually a young buck who had gotten himself into a bit of trouble. Not only had the young deer gotten his head stuck in a heavy glass bowl, but he was also traveling alone.Monmouth County SPCA

Not only was his head stuck, leaving him no way to eat or drink, but to make matters worse, his herd had moved on from their grazing spot without him. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, emphasizes the social dynamics within groups, stating, “Animals, much like humans, can exhibit exclusionary behavior towards those who appear different or are in distress, as a survival mechanism.” This meant that time was short for the deer if his rescuer didn't act quickly. The resident called the MCSPCA for help, and they arrived right away, along with the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Monmouth County SPCA

This also echoes the baby deer who insisted on staying with the man who saved her.

After they sedated the deer, the rescue team got to work. “The glass bowl was removed, which turned out to be a light fixture cover that had probably been filled with water the deer tried to drink,” the MCSPCA wrote on Facebook. “The buck was dehydrated from four days without food and water and had a couple of scrapes, probably from the poor visibility, but he was able to get up and walk away after we cleaned him up and the sedative had worn off.”

While the future of the deer was looking brighter as the bowl was removed, it wasn't all sunshine from then on. The concerned bystander called the MCSPCA again later that day after the deer had laid down and shown trouble breathing, too weak to find his herd.

Monmouth County SPCA

Deann Bowen, a veterinary technician with the MCSPCA, rushed to help the buck. He administered fluids, which seemed to be exactly what was needed.

“We could tell he was completely dehydrated by the way he looked,” Bowen said. “After we administered the fluids, his head perked right up, and after a few minutes, his breathing returned to normal.”

Monmouth County SPCA After his hard winter and unfortunate luck with the light fixture, the deer was finally ready to go. His rescuers watched as he recovered, took a few wobbly steps, and bounded off over a fence back into the wild.Monmouth County SPCA

“The Monmouth County SPCA has been informed that there is no longer a single deer feeding,” the press release stated, “so it is happily assumed that he has rejoined his herd.”

If you'd like to learn how you can help out the MCSPCA, Click Here to find out.

Monmouth County SPCA

Wait until you see the deer with its head trapped in that orange plastic container. Residents find an unusual creature roaming their neighborhood, and recognize an urgent situation.