WESTPORT — A deer entangled in a local homeowner’s metal fence Monday learned the hard way the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side.

The fettered fauna, however, was freed with “swift” assistance by local firefighters, according to a posting on the Facebook page of Wildlife in Crisis Inc.

Once released, the deer bounded away, stressed but with no apparent serious injuries, the animal rescue group said.

The deer was lucky to be freed so quickly, the group said, adding, “Adult deer do not make good rehabilitation candidates due to their flight response when in captivity. This is a very common occurrence.

“We often receive calls about deer impaled on fences as they attempt to jump over them,” the Wildlife in Crisis posting said.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, the group urged, “Please do not fence your entire property. Fences cause tremendous harm to wildlife. Small garden and dog fences can be made from wood and one-inch welded wire” would be preferred alternatives.