As holidays approach, CPW reminds residents to keep decorations out of reach from wildlife

DURANGO, Colo. — As homes across Colorado glow with Halloween skeletons — Christmas lights are right around the corner — wildlife officials are urging residents to think twice about what they leave in their yards. Every year, deer and elk find themselves tangled in decorations, sometimes with fatal consequences.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers respond to a dozen or more such incidents in each regional office every year, said John Livingston, public information officer for the agency’s Southwest Region.

“We see this pop up all year, but especially in late fall and early winter,” said Livingston. “That’s when deer and elk have their antlers, and they’re rubbing off the velvet. Anything hanging low, nets, lights, hammocks, can get caught.”

The overlap of the festive season and wildlife breeding season makes matters worse. As animals migrate to lower elevations in search of food and mates, they move through towns more frequently and encounter more human clutter.

While the holidays bring renewed attention to the issue, similar hazards persist year-round. CPW officers have rescued deer stuck in tomato cages, hammocks, and sports nets. In Estes Park, officers have freed elk tangled in patio furniture and tires. During the holidays, it’s not uncommon to see deer running through neighborhoods with Christmas lights or plastic skeletons draped across their heads.

The best prevention starts at home. CPW recommends keeping decorations and hanging items at least six feet off the ground, securing them tightly, and properly storing any unused yard equipment.

Livingston also cautioned residents to never try freeing an entangled animal themselves because trapped wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous. People should contact the local CPW office or law enforcement to report any trapped wildlife.

“We all love living here because of the wild places and animals around us,” said Livingston. “So when you put up your ghosts or Christmas lights, just think: what might a deer get caught in?”