Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds residents to hang outdoor holiday decorations with wildlife in mind.
Every year, bucks become snarled in decorations, CPW said in a news release, and in Salida recently, a buck deer became tangled in a rope being used as part of an outdoor display. CPW officers and staff from the local fire department helped cut it loose, but the deer left dragging around some rope.
To prevent animals from getting snared, CPW suggested that decorations be wrapped tightly around posts and trees. Lights that are hanging should be at least 6 feet off the ground for the entire length and fastened securely at the ends. Lights should not be draped over bushes or trees. And decorations attached to a house or building should be secured tightly.
CPW also suggested putting away other items that bucks can get tangled in, such as volleyball nets, tricycles, wire items used for gardening, garden tools, hammocks, swings, etc.
If you see a buck that has become snared in decorations or some other item, call the nearest CPW office. A wildlife officer will attempt to find the animal and make a determination if it is in a life-threatening situation.
