Deer with Christmas lights tangled in its antlers spotted in Okotoks
Alberta Fish and Wildlife says officers are keeping an eye on a deer in Okotoks, Alta. that seems to have a strand of Christmas lights caught in its antlers.
The organization said someone called to report the deer to officials on Nov. 3 after spotting it wandering in the Tucker Hill subdivision.
Responding officers found the deer was able to move freely and could still forage and find food, so it was left alone.
"In order to safely remove the wire, officers would have to physically restrain the deer and/or tranquilize it, which could cause unnecessary physical and mental stress," spokesperson Ina Lucila said in a statement.
"Officers will continue to monitor the situation and (will) take additional steps if needed for public safety or the deer's well-being."
In the meantime, Fish and Wildlife is asking Albertans not to approach the deer if they see it as it may cause it stress, or prompt it to "react defensively" to protect itself.
The deer still appeared to have the lights tangled in its antlers on Friday, Nov. 26 when Okotoks resident Bryce Lamont spotted him.
A photo taken in the Okotoks area shows a deer with a strand of Christmas lights tangled in its antlers. (Courtesy Bryce Lamont)
To help prevent situations like this in the future, Fish and Wildlife is reminding the public to be aware of things on their property can impact wildlife.
"At this time of year, Christmas lights wrapped around trees can also get stuck in a deer’s antlers, so we encourage any lights to be placed high up and out of reach."
If you see wildlife in distress, you can call the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.