Wisbech crews rescue stranded muntjac deer from mud bank in River Nene

Wisbech crews came to the aid of a stranded muntjac deer this weekend.

The deer had become stuck on the mud bank in the River Nene, with the tide rising. Using a rescue sled, firefighters were able to capture the deer which was then checked over by the RSPCA.

“Although a bit shocked and soggy, the deer was in good health and later released,” said a Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue spokesman.

According to www.muntjacdeer.co.uk muntjac deer “are the oldest but possibly the least studied and understood of all known deer species, prehistoric in origin with remains dated between 15 and 35 million years.

“The population now found in most of southern England is the Reeves’ Muntjac (muntiacus reevesi) named after John Reeves, who was an inspector with The East India Tea Company in 1812.

“It is believed that the Duke of Bedford introduced the muntjac deer to England around 1900.”