ARCHULETA COUNTY, Colo — A mule deer doe is breathing easier after a bucket lid was removed from its neck.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers said it was finally able to rescue the deer after searching for it for weeks.
CPW said it had been receiving reports about a deer living with a bucket around its neck dating back to Aug. 12. The agency said its officers had tried several times to locate and immobilize the doe to remove the lid.
"Chimney Rock District Wildlife Manager Cody Rarick finally caught up to her Sunday night and was able to dart her to get the job done," CPW shared on social media.
After being tranquilized, the bucket lid was removed and the mule deer was issued ear tags so hunters know the animal was recently tranquilized. The deer was given a reversal drug and was soon back on its feet, CPW said.
According to CPW, the doe is a mother to two fawns which stayed close as Rarick worked to get the lid free from their mother. CPW took a photo of the doe reunited with her two fawns before leaving the area.
"It was only thanks to the Pagosa/Aspen Springs community for keeping an eye out and for the multiple folks who care deeply about our wildlife making reports that we were able to track this deer down," CPW posted. "Thanks to everyone who made this rescue possible."