Help out deer and heed this pumpkin bucket PSA

No, this deer isn't getting an early start on a Halloween costume.

Threat level: Instances of deer with plastic pumpkin buckets stuck on their heads seem to make Midwest headlines every year, prompting the Ohio Division of Wildlife to share a PSA on Facebook.

What we're hearing: The state does not track how often deer are getting stuck, though a spokesperson tells us it "does seem to be more common" in recent years.

• "That might be because of more cell phone cameras, more people with Halloween decorations, or potentially a heightened awareness from the public."

How to help: It's best to keep this Halloween prop inside, officials suggest. But if you must use one in your outdoor decor, snip off the black handle beforehand.

• Report a deer in this unfortunate predicament by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: A trapped deer that gave Upper Arlington residents quite a scare in 2017 was one of my first "odd news" stories as a Dispatch reporter.

• Luckily, it had a happy ending. After a week-long saga, it apparently freed itself .