The **brown brocket deer**, popularly known as ‘sachacabra’, is a resident of the [native forest in San Luis](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/organizaciones-ambientales-de-san-luis-impulsan-una-semana-de-acciones-por-la-conservacion/), commonly found in urban and peri-urban areas; it also frequents the edges of roads and paths, where it is sometimes spotted.
An individual was rescued thanks to the alert of neighbors after being attacked by dogs in **Villa de Merlo**. Rescuer Fernando Leguizamón, the Environmental Police, and the Fauna team managed to take it to the **Floral Faunistic Reserve** in La Florida, where caretakers and veterinarians are looking after it.
According to the report by veterinarian Andrea Gangone from CCVS: “the brocket deer **does not show active internal bleeding or fractures**; although there may be contusive damage at the spinal or central nervous system level, so its prognosis is reserved. Therefore, it is being treated with anti-inflammatories and analgesics plus hydration and glucose support,” she explained.
The species has a particularity, when found injured, they tend to develop a condition known as **capture myopathy**. It is a non-infectious muscular disease that affects wild and domestic animals, caused by stress and physical exertion during capture or handling. This condition is characterized by **muscle tissue degeneration and necrosis**, which can cause weakness, stiffness, and, in severe cases, death.
“This is due to the stress caused by travel in crates or other means and human handling, which leads to the **rupture of muscle and skeletal fibers**, forming an irreversible process that ends in the animal’s death,” Gangone explained.
The other challenge for this small individual is that they do not withstand captivity for long, so, once it is in minimum [conditions to return to the wild](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/liberaron-al-tortugo-jorge-al-mar-tras-mas-de-40-anos-de-cautiverio/), it must be released quickly.
## Characteristics of the brown brocket deer
The brown brocket deer is a **herbivorous animal** that feeds on leaves, fruits, sprouts, seeds, and grass. With a grayish-brown to reddish-brown coloration, it has lighter ventral parts. It is territorial and usually lives alone or in pairs.
Despite being the most **abundant species of brocket deer in Argentina**, its population has decreased due to hunting and the destruction of its natural habitat, although **it is not endangered**.
In case of observing an **injured animal** outside its habitat or having knowledge of illegal trafficking and sale of wild animals, you must report it by calling 911 Environmental Police, or the Secretary of the Environment at telephone number 0266 445200, extension 3372.
