Surge in the number of wild deer found dead in canals in Doncaster

Waterways bosses say they have seen a surge in the number of wild deer found dead in canals in Doncaster.
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The increase is thought to have been related to moorland fires which broke out earlier this year, and worried officials are looking at how they can save animals which fall into the Stainforth and Keadby canal.

Residents have raised concerns over the number of sightings of bodies.

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One resident said she saw around 10 dead deer in the canal in one week earlier this summer, and was aware of around three over the period of another week.

Officials at the opening of one of the deer ramps at Thorne. Picture: Canal and River TrustOfficials at the opening of one of the deer ramps at Thorne. Picture: Canal and River Trust
Officials at the opening of one of the deer ramps at Thorne. Picture: Canal and River Trust

Her son recently saw one dead in the canal next to the pumping station at Stainforth. She said she was concerned development may be affecting their habitat.

Experts at the Canal and River Trust, which look after the canals, believe there has been a rise in recent months, not huge, but 10 or 20 more this year than they would normally see.

Jonny Hart-Woods, senior ecologist at the trust, said: “It is really distressing to hear reports of deer getting into trouble in the water, and we are grateful for people who have reported incidents as it helps us target our resources where they will be most effective.

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“We believe the problem in the Thorne area has been made worse this year by animals fleeing from fires on Hatfield Moor.

“The trust has already introduced a number of deer ramps across our network to help animals escape the water, and there are plans to construct more in this area. We are also prioritising refurbishing the six existing ramps along the Stainforth and Keadby Canal

“The deer ramps consist of different grades of stone, located at intervals along the piled edge of the canal. They are large enough to provide purchase for any animal stranded in the water to clamber up and out onto the bank.”

“In the past we have also formed action groups to tackle deer drownings. The last one was on the Stainforth and Keadby Canal and was supported by Doncaster Council, Network Rail, RSPCA, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the local fire service who all contributed practical or financial support and helped us install six new ramps.”