Authorities in Colorado are monitoring a deer that was seen on film with a plastic pumpkin glued to its face, impeding its ability to eat and drink.
Officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife were dispatched to Parker, Colorado, to assist the deer, but their efforts are proving difficult because the animal is still able to wander freely.
Wildlife officer Katie Doyle stated, ‘The problem is that it’s still mobile, so it’s difficult for us to keep up with it and get it into a position where we can safely remove it.’
Doyle used the incident to illustrate what may happen to local wildlife if Halloween decorations are not placed with care.
Doyle stated, “It can see and breathe, but it cannot eat or drink.”
Wildlife inspectors are contemplating a number of measures to assist the deer, including tranquilizing the animal and removing the pumpkin after it is unconscious.
Doyle warned folks celebrating Halloween to hang decorations at least eight feet off the ground so that they do not become entangled in deer antlers.
She noted that artificial cobwebs and other decorations should be installed in locations where animals cannot wander into them unknowingly.
She said, ‘It’s vital that people are aware that if they live near wildlife, they should bring objects inside or not place them in areas where wildlife may access them.’