Deer in the House: What to Do

A live deer in the house is rare but dangerous, and the right response is to stay clear and call animal control or your state wildlife agency. A panicked deer can injure people and itself, so do not try to handle it. Here is what to do.

Key takeaways
  • A live deer indoors is dangerous and rare.
  • Stay clear and call animal control or your state wildlife agency.
  • A deer mount on the wall is a different topic, a taxidermy decoration.
  • Do not approach or corner a panicked deer.

Distinguish the Two Meanings

A search for “deer head in wall” can mean two things: a taxidermy deer head mounted on a wall, which is a decoration, or a live deer that entered a home. The response is very different.

A Live Deer Indoors

If a live deer is in the house, stay clear. A panicked deer can injure people and itself, so do not approach, corner, or try to herd it. Open a clear exit if safe, and call animal control or your state wildlife agency.

A Mounted Deer Head

A mounted deer head on the wall is a taxidermy piece, not a wildlife problem. It is a decoration and needs no removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay clear, do not approach or corner it, and call animal control or your state wildlife agency. A panicked deer is dangerous.

Wild Animals Central
About the author
Wild Animals Central Editorial Team

I write these guides myself, and I am not a call center. I read the state rules and the agency guidance, and write plain-English guides so you know what to expect before you spend money.

✓Listings from state records✓Humane methods first✓I never sell your details