DURANGO, COLORADO – As Colorado’s fall season unfolds, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is urging residents to clean up their properties to prevent curious wildlife from becoming entangled in backyard hazards. As deer, elk, and moose migrate from summer to winter ranges, they face the danger of getting caught in items such as garden equipment, sports nets, and even holiday decorations.
With mating season, or “the rut,” now underway for deer, antlered animals are at increased risk of becoming entangled while rubbing objects to mark territory or seek mates. CPW emphasizes that items such as hammocks, garden cages, and even obscure objects like tires can pose serious risks to these animals.
“Right now is a good opportunity to clean up your yard and remove items a curious animal might stick its nose in or get wrapped up in,” said Steve McClung, Assistant Area Wildlife Manager in Durango. He also advised residents to consider wildlife safety when putting up Halloween decorations. “We see animals get wrapped up all the time, and these impairments can affect their mobility, vision, and ability to eat and drink.”
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District Wildlife Manager Cody Rarick recently assisted in freeing three deer in Archuleta County that had become entangled in items like a bucket lid, a garden plant cage, and a plastic bicycle pedal. These incidents can cause severe stress to the animals, sometimes leading to exhaustion or death.
Wildlife officers often intervene when notified quickly. In some cases, they remove objects directly; in others, they may need to cut antlers to free the animal. If the hazard doesn’t prevent an animal from eating or drinking, officers may allow it to shed the object naturally when it loses its antlers. However, timely reporting is critical to ensure the safety of the animals.
With the rise in popularity of elaborate Halloween displays, CPW has also seen an uptick in incidents involving holiday lights and decorations. Residents are encouraged to secure lights and other decorations higher than six feet or tightly fasten them to trees and buildings to avoid any risk to wildlife. Artificial webs, lights, and other low-hanging decorations are particularly dangerous to antlered animals.
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- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Additionally, CPW reminds the public that decorations should never be left unattended on public lands, as they pose a similar risk to wildlife there. If wildlife does become entangled, residents are advised to contact their local CPW office or call Colorado State Patrol if after hours. McClung urged the public to avoid attempting to free animals themselves due to the danger posed by stressed and potentially aggressive wildlife.
During the rut, deer and elk can also exhibit more aggressive behavior. Bucks, in particular, may challenge perceived threats, including people or dogs, and their antlers can cause serious injuries. CPW recommends that people keep a safe distance from these animals, especially in urban and suburban areas where wildlife has become more accustomed to human presence.
CPW’s message is clear: take steps now to protect wildlife by removing hazards from yards, securing decorations, and being vigilant about entangled animals.
For more information on living with wildlife and protecting them during migration, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
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