ROE DEER FAWN SERIOUSLY INJURED DURING MOWING OPERATIONS IN OVERBOELARE
Dramatic rescue: roe deer fawn seriously injured during mowing in Overboelare
Following an urgent call from the rescue Centre (VOC) in Geraardsbergen, the Animal Disaster Team rushed to Overboelare. What should have been a routine day of mowing turned into a tragedy for a young roe deer family. During the mowing operations, a roe deer fawn was seriously injured. Sadly, its sibling did not survive the accident.
Hours-long search through dense overgrowth
Earlier that morning, the rescue centre had contacted the Animal Disaster Team after the fawn had reportedly been calling for its mother throughout the night. Despite initial search efforts, the animal could not immediately be located. The rescue teams eventually found the young fawn trapped in a dense bramble thicket. Its mother was still nearby and had not left its side, but the severely injured fawn was unable to move.
Severe injuries
A first examination on site revealed the extent of the injuries. The fawn had suffered devastating wounds caused by the mower, including a broken jaw and a fractured hoof. Given the seriousness of its condition, the animal was immediately transported to the rescue centre for emergency treatment and further veterinary care.
A call for caution during mowing season
This heartbreaking rescue once again highlights the serious danger mowing operations pose to young wild animals during the spring and early summer. When threatened, young roe deer instinctively lie perfectly still in tall grass instead of fleeing, making them extremely vulnerable to agricultural machinery. It is therefore essential that fields are carefully inspected before mowing begins to prevent tragedies like this from happening.
