Photographer Julie Carrow spotted this deer with fibromas in Minnesota. Caused by a virus, they reportedly do not harm the deer unless enough grow together to impair breathing or movement.
The ‘Quality Deer Management Association’ is not so much concerned with the impact on the deer’s welfare though.
It states that the main significance of the fibromas lies in “the consternation and concern experienced by the hunter who shoots a deer covered with ugly-looking lumps”
and that “they render a fine trophy aesthetically undesirable” because “fibromas are repulsive to most persons“.
So paradoxically, the deer’s condition may render him more ‘safe’ from hunters. Until perhaps they decide his life is not ‘worth’ living and will kill him anyway.
LINKS
‘Heartbreaking’ photo shows deer covered in tumors, August 9, 2019, New York Post.
OH DEER! Heartbreaking pictures show deer with dozens of tumours covering its face and body, August 9, 2019, The Sun.
Crip HumAnimal 
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