Rescue operation as two deer get tangled in rope in Derbyshire

Animal rescuers say it was a "major issue" but both fallow bucks were safely released into the wild

Two male deer were rescued after they became tangled in rope in woodland.

Animal rescuers received a call from a member of the public, who came across two fallow bucks entangled in rope, near Milton in Derbyshire on Saturday.

Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue said the rope was wrapped around the antlers of both deer and tightly around one of the deer's neck.

Lindsay Newell, from the team, said it was a "major issue", but managed to safely release them into the wild.

The rescuer, from the centre in Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire, said the rope was also wrapped around a tree, and when she arrived with a colleague, the deer had become entangled closer together.

"This was obviously a major issue," she said.

Ms Newell said deer were "extremely strong" and males with antlers could be "extremely dangerous".

Rescuer Lindsay Newell said both deer were "so tired they just sat there" but shortly after ran into the woods

She said they had to get hold of both deer "to give them the best chance".

"After throwing a deer net over both of their heads, the net covered the antlers and allowed us to control their heads," she said.

"With Mark pulling on the net, I managed to get behind the larger one, get his back legs and got him to the ground.

"After securing the antlers and with me holding the net, Mark then attempted to get the other male to the ground and was successful."

Ms Newell said they worked quickly to remove the rope from around their antlers and neck using pocket knives.

"Both males had contusions from their struggle and the larger male had a superficial wound near his leg caused by the antlers of the other deer, but luckily it wouldn't cause any issues and he needed no treatment," she said.

Once they were free, the net was removed, however, Ms Newell said they were both "so tired they just sat there", but shortly after ran off into the woods.