Wildlife officers free deer from ‘necklace’ after nearly 3 weeks

DENVER ( KDVR ) – A mule deer doe that was living with the lid of a bucket stuck around its neck for several weeks was finally freed thanks to help from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers.

CPW has been receiving reports of the deer since Aug. 12 and said wildlife managers tried several times to find the doe, immobilize it and remove the bucket lid, officials wrote on X.

Ultimately, Cody Rarick, the wildlife manager of the Chimney Rock district, spotted the deer on Sunday, darted her with a tranquilizer and worked to remove the lid.

“The deer was issued ear tags so hunters know the animal has recently been tranquilized — trading a necklace for some earrings,” CPW said.

Two of the doe’s fawns had also stayed nearby, waiting to reunite with their mother once she was awake. The three of them could be seen leaving the area together, according to CPW officials.

“I’m sure she was incredibly grateful,” wrote one commenter. “Good work.”

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