I witnessed what I think may be an extraordinary happening today; a herd of 10 deer were crossing through a cornfield just across from my home around 11:30 am. One deer was very far behind the others, and stopped at the farmer's driveway. He continued to watch the rest running away, but appeared unable to keep up. One of the other deer turned around and came back to the last deer for a moment, then turned toward the others, waited about 30 seconds, then took off. The one that stopped at the driveway then turned around and headed back the way the herd had come, alone. He appeared to be limping, but was able to trot for short distances before stopping.

I am wondering if he desired to return to the safety of a wooded area because he was hurt, or did the herd abandon him because of his apparent injury?

What are the odds that a deer can survive 1) alone and 2) with some sort of leg injury?

Good morning, The scene that you describe is not unusual this time of year. The deer may have been injured by a car collision or other event that prevents it from being able to keep up with the rest of the herd. Deer are capable of recovering from severe injury, even broken bones. An adult deer, even one with a leg injury as you described, can survive on its own as long as it has access to food, water, and shelter.