Colorado Parks And Wildlife Encourages Removal Of Tangle Hazards As Halloween Approaches

As Halloween gets closer and more and more people get into the spooky spirit, Colorado Parks and Wildlife NE Region is encouraging the public to think of antlered friends when putting up decorations. Decorations with strings or hanging items can easily get stuck on antlers, potentially injuring (or doing worse) animals.

Spooky szn is here and please think of our antlered residents when you decorate your yard. We don't want them walking away with tricks or treats. Avoid decorations with strings or hanging items that can easily be caught in their antlers. pic.twitter.com/dti3dbEdzQ

— CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) October 1, 2025

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds the public to avoid tangle hazards on a near annual basis. Hammocks, garden equipment, recreational sports equipment such as soccer and volleyball nets, and, of course, holiday decorations, all have the potential to get caught on antlered animals like deer, elk, or moose.

When an object does get caught around an animal’s antlers, the stress and physical exhaustion involved can lead to death. Wildlife officers can usually get deer untangled if they’re notified early enough, sometimes removing the object and sometimes cutting off the animal’s antlers to free it. In other cases, wildlife officers choose to leave the object on, understanding that it will be released when the antlers are shed.

Holiday lights and decorations be placed higher than six feet or attached tightly to trees and buildings. Remember to always follow Leave No Trace principles.

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