A DEER may have been "spooked" by a fireworks display leaving it with "catastrophic" injuries at the foot of cliffs in Aberdeenshire, a charity has said.
The deer, which was found alive, had a “badly fractured jaw and multiple leg fractures”, suggesting it had fallen to the bay below.
The mammal was found at the foot of cliffs in Crovie on Sunday.
New Arc Wildlife Rescue received a call to the scene and euthanised the animal.
An event was held nearby on Saturday to mark Bonfire celebrations and rescuers speculated that the fireworks had caused the fall.
The wildlife charity shared the fall with followers online and warned the public to use fireworks in a limited capacity,
“We were called to a sad scene today at Crovie," the charity said.
“A deer was found with catastrophic injuries on the beach just below the cliffs. With a badly fractured jaw, and multiple leg fractures, it was clear the deer had fallen from the cliffs above.
“Although we can only speculate as to what caused the deer to fall down the cliff, there was a firework event adjacent to the scene the previous night which may have spooked the deer.
“Fireworks can be problematic for both vulnerable members of society, pets, livestock and wild animals.”
