This Halloween decoration can be dangerous for deer, wildlife officials warn

CLEVELAND ( WJW ) — Fall is in full swing and many have already decked out their properties with Halloween decorations, but according to wildlife experts, one decoration in particular can be harmful to deer in the area.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife is urging residents to avoid leaving plastic Halloween pumpkin buckets outside.

Wildlife officials posted the warning on Facebook Friday, 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.

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.

Such incidents have been reported in Ohio and Colorado in recent years.

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

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