PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife rescued an injured black-tailed doe with a hunk of metal stuck around its hooves on July 31.
WDFW Wildlife Conflict Specialist Cole Janowski came to the deer’s aid after a Port Townsend resident reported that a deer was suffering from an unknown injury in the area. After examining the deer, Janowski found the metal wedged around her right, front hoof.
“She’d had a metal clamp on her foot for a few days, likely causing pain as she walked,” the WDFD shared on social media on Aug. 7.
Cole sedated the doe, removed the clamp and treated her wounds. After the deer woke up, she was reunited with her two fawns.
“We’ve responded to several cases of deer with items stuck on their hooves, necks, and antlers,” the WDFW said. “Please remember to pick up after yourself and not leave trash, tools, parts, etc., on the ground. Littering is not only illegal and gross, but it also can hurt animals like deer! Let’s all work together to protect Washington’s fish and wildlife populations.”
