In Durango, Colorado, a large buck recently found himself in serious trouble. His antlers had become tightly tangled in a soccer net, and no matter how much he thrashed and pulled, he couldn’t break free. Exhausted and anxious, his struggle only made the knots tighter.
Fortunately, a passerby spotted the distressed deer and reported the situation to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Trained rescuers immediately responded — and they were relieved that no one had tried to free the animal themselves.
“We regularly get these kinds of reports from the public, especially this time of year,” John Livingston, public information officer for CPW, told The Dodo. “A wild animal in distress can behave more aggressively, so it's important people don't try to free it themselves.”
Wildlife officers Luke Clancy and Steve McClung carefully sedated the buck before cutting away the netting. Once free, the team administered a reversal drug and gave the animal space to recover. Within minutes, the buck was back on his feet and trotted safely toward the wild — soccer net far behind him.
As for how he became trapped, rescuers suspect it was related to the rutting season.
“Bucks will rub their antlers on objects to mark territory and signal their presence,” Livingston explained. “In this case, he may have been chasing other deer, or just curious, and accidentally got stuck.”
Though the rescue had a happy ending, CPW hopes it serves as a reminder that humans can help prevent similar incidents.
“We ask people to continually assess their properties for tangle hazards — things like hammocks, sports nets, or string lights,” Livingston said. “Put them away when they’re not in use and always hang decorations where elk and deer won’t get stuck.”
In southwest Colorado, wildlife and people share the same beautiful spaces. CPW urges everyone to be good neighbors by keeping yards safe and allowing animals to live their lives naturally.
“It’s up to all of us,” Livingston said. “When we’re mindful, we give wildlife the best chance to thrive.”
For more advice on protecting animals from tangle hazards, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
