3-Legged Deer in Maine Woods Caught on Video After Months of Not Being Seen

Paula Parent with the Maine Wildlife Facebook Group hadn't seen the three-legged deer that normally stopped by, but was relieved when there was a visit.

In a recent post to the Maine Wildlife Facebook group, she said that the three-legged deer usually passes by her trail cams three to four times a year. When she hadn't seen the deer, she was worried. But then there she was, looking healthy in clips from January.

Seeing a handicapped deer like this makes you immediately wonder what had happened. Some speculated that the leg looked amputated. Maybe the deer was a rescue re-released into the woods up north.

But Paula says that for many of the clips she has, you can see that there is scarring and jaggedness that would not be present if it was amputated by a veterinarian. When you watch the video, this sweet deer gets a close look at that camera.

How is it possible for a deer with only three legs to survive in Maine?

People have often wondered how a three-legged deer can survive, but a three-legged horse can't. Deer are much lighter than a horse, and many animals in the wild survive with all sorts of limbs missing. Whether it be by birth or an accident, deer are especially resilient, and many survive the long winters just fine. She may not be able to run quickly or jump a six-foot fence with ease, but Paula has seen this particular deer for several winters, and is always glad to see she is making it.