Deer freed from bucket lid stuck around neck

A deer is now free from its captor: a broken plastic lid.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, they first received reports of a doe in the Pagosa Springs area with a bucket lid around its neck on August 12. The officers had trouble finding and freeing the mule deer in the weeks following, but finally caught up with the mom of two on Sunday.

As CPW recounted in several posts on their social media, Chimney Rock District Wildlife Manager Cody Rarick tranquilized the deer so he could safely remove the unwanted necklace. The mission was successful and allowed for some much-needed breathing room. The deer was then given ear tags, which signal to hunters that it’s recently been sedated.

Once the doe’s neck was free, it was given a reversal drug that put it back on its feet. The doe consequently reunited with its two young fawns, who stayed close by during the entirety of the process.

“It was only thanks to the Pagosa/Aspen Springs community for keeping an eye out and for the multiple folks who care deeply about our wildlife making reports that we were able to track this deer down. Thanks to everyone who made this rescue possible,” shared CPW in its concluding post.

Several photos taken at each stage of the rescue were shared as part of the announcement.

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