He kept getting more and more tangled 💔
Recently, in Durango, Colorado, a large buck became entangled in a soccer net, its antlers hopelessly stuck. As the animal struggled to break free, it only worsened its predicament.
Fortunately, a concerned citizen alerted Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the rescuers quickly sprang into action. According to John Livingston, a public information officer for the department, it’s crucial that people don’t intervene in these situations. “Wild animals in distress can become aggressive, so it’s best to leave the rescue to professionals,” he shared with The Dodo.
The rescue team, led by district wildlife manager Luke Clancy and assistant area wildlife manager Steve McClung, safely sedated the buck before carefully cutting the netting off its antlers. While the exact cause of the entanglement was unclear, Livingston speculated that the buck might have gotten caught during the rut, the breeding season when males mark their territory by rubbing their antlers against objects. The net might have been unnoticed during the buck’s pursuit of does or other males, or it could have simply been an accidental entanglement due to curiosity.
Once the sedative wore off, the buck slowly regained his footing and was freed. Grateful for the rescue, the animal quickly made its way back into the wild.
To prevent similar incidents, wildlife experts urge the public to take precautions. Livingston advises homeowners to check their properties for potential hazards like hammocks or poorly secured holiday lights, which can pose risks to wildlife, and to store sporting equipment properly when not in use.
Livingston reminds everyone in southwest Colorado that they share their environment with wildlife and have a responsibility to help keep it safe. “It’s important to let wild animals live freely and naturally,” he said. “And remember, feeding wildlife isn’t helpful.”