Medford, OR – As the holiday season approaches, wildlife officials in Oregon are urging residents to take steps to prevent deer entanglements, a growing concern that could pose serious risks to the state’s deer population. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is asking homeowners to clean up their yards, especially as the late fall and winter months coincide with the peak size of deer antlers.
ODFW biologists say that items often found in residential yards, such as holiday lights, hammocks, dog lines, tomato cages, and even sports nets, are frequent culprits in wildlife entanglements. Deer, particularly bucks with larger antlers, can become ensnared in these objects, which can cause significant harm.
The Risks of Entanglement
Although the sight of a deer running through the woods with lights tangled in its antlers may seem amusing, ODFW officials warn that such entanglements can be harmful and even life-threatening for the animals. Entangled deer may struggle with impaired vision, difficulty eating and drinking, and restricted breathing. In extreme cases, the entanglements can lead to death.
Mikayla Bivona, an assistant wildlife biologist with ODFW, highlighted the severity of the issue. “While it can be amusing to see a deer running around with lights in its antlers, entanglements can have serious consequences for deer,” she said. “Entanglements can obstruct their vision, hinder their ability to eat and drink, and even restrict their breathing.”
Bivona also emphasized that the primary strategy for preventing such incidents is simple: keeping yards clear of items that could pose a threat to wildlife. “Prevention is key,” she said. “By keeping your yard deer-friendly, you can reduce the number of entanglements as well as the number of calls to our offices.”
In 2023, ODFW’s Central Oregon office alone responded to 113 calls regarding distressed wildlife, with 90 of those calls involving deer. The majority of these incidents were related to entanglement, vehicle collisions, and injuries caused by fences. ODFW staff noted that entanglements are particularly prevalent during the winter months when deer are more likely to roam in residential areas in search of food and shelter.
ODFW officials are also warning that certain types of fencing can increase the likelihood of deer becoming trapped. Fences with small gaps or loose wires can create situations where animals get stuck or injured. As a result, wildlife experts urge homeowners to examine their fencing and make sure it does not pose a risk to wildlife.
To reduce the risk of deer entanglements, ODFW recommends a few simple measures that can be implemented before the holiday season begins:
- Clear the yard of unused items, particularly during the fall and winter months when deer are most likely to encounter them.
- Hang holiday decorations at least 8 feet above the ground to prevent deer from becoming caught in strings of lights or ornaments.
- Check fencing to ensure that it does not have openings that could trap wildlife.
In the event that a deer becomes entangled, ODFW officials strongly advise against attempting to free the animal on one’s own. Trying to untangle wildlife can cause further harm and stress to the animal. Instead, residents should contact their local ODFW office for professional assistance in safely handling the situation.
Wildlife entanglements are preventable, and ODFW officials stress the importance of taking these steps not only to protect deer but also to allow the department to focus on other critical conservation efforts. In addition to responding to calls about distressed wildlife, ODFW biologists are engaged in a range of programs aimed at improving wildlife habitats and managing populations.
By taking a few simple actions, Oregon residents can help protect local deer populations and reduce the need for intervention by wildlife officials. As the holiday season approaches, ODFW urges everyone to “deck the halls, not the deer” by keeping their yards safe and wildlife-friendly.