In a somewhat seasonal predicament, Colorado's wildlife, particularly those with antlers, are finding themselves caught up in everything from garden equipment to festive ornaments, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers are stepping in to help. With cases ranging from a bull elk sporting a hammock like a new crowning glory to deer draped in tomato cage wiring, CPW is urging residents to take action in their own backyards.
As the festive season approaches, entanglements tend to increase, leaving wildlife in an already stressful rutting season to also deal with the awkward and potentially life-threatening dilemma of being wrapped up in our backyard décor. "We see it every year, and it always gets worse this time of year," Steve McClung, CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager of Durango, told Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Higher placement of holiday lights and securely attaching decorations can make a literal unwrapped difference for these woodland inhabitants.
Not all entanglement cases require human intervention. For example, wildlife can often free themselves when they shed their antlers if the entanglement doesn't impede their ability to eat or drink. However, in more severe cases, wildlife officers’ swift responses can make the difference between life and death. An unfortunate deer in Pagosa Springs learned this the hard way when wire had to be painstakingly removed by CPW officer Nate Martinez after the deer eluded capture for days.
The rut, or breeding season, amps up the chances for entanglements as male deer use their antlers to assert territorial claims. This increases the likelihood for them to accidentally, but determinedly, garland themselves with anything from Halloween decorations to patio furniture. Residents are encouraged to securely tuck away any item not being used and to think twice before *casually to hang* holiday trimmings that can easily ensnare a passing buck or doe.
When a wildlife entanglement is spotted, CPW stresses that the public should not attempt to disentangle the animals themselves but instead should immediately contact CPW or the Colorado State Patrol dispatch after-hours. Providing details such as location and condition of the animal can assist officers to effectively respond. "If the animal is not tethered to what it is tangled in, it can be difficult to chase them through a neighborhood and get into a position to dart them, or sometimes they disappear and we never catch up to help them," McClung explained to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The sooner officers are informed, the better the chances for a safe and successful intervention.
With wildlife a common and usually welcome sight in many Colorado neighborhoods, it is pivotal, especially during the fall breeding season, to be more mindful of our furry neighbors – and the unforeseen traps we may unwittingly set for them. To stay informed on living harmoniously with wildlife, CPW directs residents to their website for additional resources and guidelines.
