An elk in Haywood County, North Carolina, was reported with a child’s swing caught in its antlers. The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook that, in coordination with NC Wildlife, they planned to assist the animal today following reports yesterday. Authorities confirmed the elk was not in immediate danger and would be handled by professionals.
Today, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission had resolved the situation. According to ABC 13, District Biologist Justin McVey, Wildlife Sgt. Tanner Baldwin, and Wildlife Officer Melinda Parish conducted the operation. In under 30 minutes, the 3½-year-old male elk was sedated, the swing was removed from its antlers, and the animal was safely awakened and released.
The Haywood County Sheriff's Office acknowledged the coordinated effort in a social media post, thanking NC Wildlife for their prompt response and the community for reporting the concern. "We are grateful for the quick response and teamwork from NC Wildlife, and we sincerely appreciate our community for reporting concerns and helping us protect these animals," the office stated, as first reported by WYFF4.
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission noted that while they provide guidance for reporting elk emergencies, this incident highlights an unexpected interaction between humans and wildlife. The NCWRC reminds the public to contact their law enforcement at 800-662-7137 for any wildlife concerns or violations. In a statement reported by WBTV, they said, "The elk are a special part of Maggie Valley, and we care deeply about their well-being."
