Texas Deputy Startled as 'Dead' Deer Bolts

A Trinity County, Texas, sheriff’s deputy responding to a late-night vehicle-versus-deer call was startled when a doe he believed was dead suddenly sprang up and ran into the woods. Dashcam footage shows the deputy retreating while screaming, “It’s awake!” before he and his partner laughed off the scare. The August 28 incident, shared by the sheriff’s office, went viral and drew millions of views and amused reactions online. Wildlife experts note that an injured or stunned deer can become temporarily motionless because of disorientation or tonic immobility, then abruptly recover.