A deer found in Bayfield, Colo., is finally free after a wildlife official caught up to him and cut the electrical rope that had been wrapped around his head for weeks, local news reported.
The nylon and metal rope was wrapped so tightly around his neck that he had a deep cut from where it had been embedded. One of his antlers was also broken off but tangled in the rope. Concerned residents had reported sightings of the buck to wildlife officials in hopes they could save him. Finally, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Southwest (CPW SW) Region District Wildlife Manager Stephanie Taylor was able to track him down and liberate him.
Left: Antler in Wire; Right: Buck’s Neck (Photos Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southwest Region)
“Once the electric rope was cut away from the buck, Officer Taylor quickly issued a reversal drug to counteract the tranquilizer,” CPW SW Region wrote on X. “Within a few minutes, the buck was back on its feet and free of the hazard.”
Deer and other wildlife may become twisted up in nets and ropes when left outside — as the CPW SW Region officials see much too often. In the days following this rescue, another deer was detangled from a soccer net by CPW SW Region rescuers. These rescues came on the heels of an incident when a mother doe was freed from the bucket lid stuck around her neck.
“Deer are curious and want to check out something that’s hanging along their path or a bucket to see if it’s food,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Steve McClung warns. “They may stick their nose in and get those objects stuck around their face or get the handle caught on an antler.”
With holidays approaching, these rescues serve as a reminder that we can all help protect our curious wildlife by being mindful of how we decorate our yards. The CPW recommends hanging lights at least six feet up and securely attaching them to trees, roofs, or buildings to help keep deer safe. Soccer nets, furniture, and construction equipment like buckets and ropes should also be put away. By helping prevent entanglement issues for wildlife, you may help save a life — as entangled animals may struggle to eat or drink.
Lady Freethinker applauds CPW SW Region for freeing this inquisitive deer — as well as the compassionate residents who alerted officials to the animal in need.
