Deck the halls this holiday season, not the deer.
Deer entanglement is a growing concern in Oregon and local ODFW offices are urging residents to take action by cleaning up their yards. Put away any unused items, especially during the late fall and winter months when buck antlers are largest. Keep holiday decorations at least 8-feet high to reduce the risk of entanglement.
One of the main causes of deer entanglement is the presence of items in yards that can ensnare wildlife. Holiday lights are particularly problematic along with hammocks, dog lines, tomato cages, and volleyball or soccer nets. Decorations hung from trees or decks can also pose a threat if they are within reach of bucks.
As bucks shed the velvet from their antlers, they often become itchy and rub their antlers on various objects increasing the risk of entanglement. They also rub to mark their territory during the rut from October into mid-December.
“While it can be amusing to see a deer running around with lights in its antlers, entanglements can have serious consequences for deer,” said Mikayla Bivona, ODFW Assistant Wildlife Biologist in Prineville. “Entanglements can obstruct their vision, hinder their ability to eat and drink, and even restrict their breathing.”
“By keeping your yard deer-friendly, you can reduce the number of entanglements as well as the number of calls to our offices to untangle deer. It’s not always possible to capture these deer, so prevention is key,” Bivona continued.
Wildlife entanglement is a preventable problem. Taking simple steps to clean your yard will not only reduce stress on wildlife but will allow biologists to focus on other responsibilities such as habitat enhancement and development of new projects to benefit wildlife.
ODFW’s Central Oregon staff, for example, have responded to 113 calls regarding distressed wildlife this year, 90 of which were deer. The leading causes for these calls are entanglement, vehicle collisions, and fence injuries.
People should not attempt to free entangled wildlife, as this can cause unnecessary stress and potentially kill the animal. Instead, residents are advised to contact their local ODFW office for assistance.
Fencing is another significant factor contributing to deer and elk entanglement in residential areas. Certain types of fencing can increase the likelihood of wildlife getting trapped.