ODNR: Leaving this Halloween decoration out can be dangerous for deer

*** Video above: A tender moment between white deer and fawn in Northeast Ohio ***

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Fall is in full swing and plenty of Ohioans have already decked out their properties with Halloween decorations, but wildlife experts say that one decoration in particular can be harmful to deer in the area.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife is urging Ohioans against leaving plastic Halloween pumpkin buckets outside.

The Division of Wildlife posted the warning on Facebook Friday afternoon, stating that every year they receive reports of deer getting their heads stuck in the buckets.

“We’d appreciate it if you kept these pumpkins indoors, but if they are part of your outdoor spooky spread, please snip the black ‘handles’ from them,” the Division of Wildlife said in the post.

Wildlife officials said the plastic handles tend to get stuck on their heads by the ears, making it impossible for the deer to remove them without help.

“An ounce of prevention goes a long way here,” the division said in the post. “There are very few ‘good’ options for tranquilizing, netting or otherwise capturing a wild deer.”

FOX 8 has reported on similar cases in the past, including one in Mentor in 2014.

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