Concern Grows for Injured Deer Trapped Near Eastbound I-20 and 820.

Drivers passing through the eastbound lanes where I-20 and Loop 820 meet in Benbrook have noticed an unusual and troubling sight. For several days, a buck and a doe have been sheltering in the trees along the median, with the buck appearing to have a badly injured rear leg.

A nearby resident first raised the alarm on December 22 after observing the deer had remained in the same spot for days with no visible access to water and no safe way to cross six lanes of traffic.

Multiple calls were made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden, the only authority legally permitted to handle non-emergency deer situations in Texas.

According to residents, responses ranged from delayed follow-ups to assurances that the situation was being reviewed.

As word spread, neighbors and commuters began sharing updates, confirming the buck was still lying under the trees days later. Some stopped to place water nearby, while others reached out to additional resources for guidance.

Calls were made to the DFW Wildlife Coalition at https://www.dfwwildlife.org and the Fort Worth Nature Center at https://www.fwnaturecenter.org, though both ultimately referred the matter back to the game warden due to state regulations involving adult deer.

Frustration grew as sightings continued, and the buck appeared unable to move far. Several residents contacted the game warden directly, while others encouraged reporting the situation to TxDOT or local media to raise awareness.

By the fifth day, the deer were still reported to be in the exact location, prompting renewed concern about the animal’s condition and the limits residents face when trying to help wildlife in distress.

For now, the situation remains a reminder of how quickly community concern can rally around an animal in need, and how complicated the response can be when busy roadways, wildlife laws, and public safety intersect.

Residents who encounter injured wildlife are encouraged to document what they see and contact Texas Parks and Wildlife through official channels, while exercising caution near active roadways.

Related news:

Construction, Dark Roads, and a Rise in Wildlife Collisions Concern Residents. What Is Behind the Rise in Roadkill Along RM 2871? Watch for Deer on West Side Streets in Benbrook. What You Need to Know About Benbrook’s Buzzard Population.