On Wednesday morning, September 6, SDRP Park Ranger JJ set out to do some work on the trails when he noticed a woman standing on the side of Highland Valley Road with a small, young mule deer. The fawn, no more than 40 pounds, had run straight into the side of the woman’s car as it tried to cross Highland Valley Road. Soon after, San Diego police showed up to ensure everyone’s safety as more people gathered by the side of the narrow road figuring out how best to handle the situation. By sheer luck, one of these people happened to be a veterinarian, who suggested the deer be given over to San Diego Fawn Rescue, the only rescue of its kind south of Malibu. Rangers JJ and Hilary drove the fawn to Fund for Animals, another local wild animal rescue, where they met San Diego Fawn Rescue and handed over the young deer.


San Diego Fawn Rescue gave us an update on the fawn’s condition. His antlers had abrasions, and he probably had a concussion. He is doing much better and could be released now. The rescue center only releases fawns in groups, and he will be released in a group of four fawns. One of the other four fawns is not ready to be released yet, but once it is fully rehabilitated, the four fawns can be released.

Many thanks to San Diego Fawn Rescue, Fund for Animals, San Diego Police Department, SDRP staff, and caring community members who made this rescue possible!