Residents concerned about deer’s welfare

This is no trick and it’s certainly no treat for the deer with its head trapped in a plastic Halloween candy bucket.

If anyone sees the young buck roaming around Upper Arlington and the Northwest Side, wildlife agencies say it’s probably safest to let nature take its course. At least for now.

Officials have been actively monitoring the deer since Sunday, after receiving many tips from concerned residents who spotted the animal trapped in the bright orange container in northwestern Upper Arlington, near the Squirrel Bend and Slate Run neighborhoods.

“Hopefully, the deer will be able to get the bucket off its head on its own,” said Matt Eiselstein, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife.

“If not, we’re still hopeful we’ll be able to approach it and resolve the situation if

the animal slows down.”

Some residents posting on social media have suggested they’re going to trap the deer themselves to rescue it. But that could be dangerous for the people and the deer, officials said. The deer appears to be healthy and strong enough to injure someone or run away in panic from those who are tracking it.

“Sometimes very good intentions can lead to very severe consequences,” said Stormy Gibson, the Ohio Wildlife Center’s education director.

Anyone who sees the deer should call Upper Arlington

police at 614-583-5140.

The city is working with the two groups and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The Ohio Wildlife Center is posting regular updates on its Facebook page about the situation.

Though many have asked about the possibility of tranquilizing the deer to remove the bucket, animals often aren’t immediately sedated after being hit with a dart, Eiselstein said.

“That could send it running in a populated area, which could cause a greater hazard to it or people in the area,” he said.

It would also introduce a drug into deer meat during deer-hunting season.

The deer was first spotted over the weekend and again Thursday morning. Because the deer has survived this long, it’s somehow eating and drinking, Gibson said.

The animal’s health and safety is the top priority, she said.

Unfortunately, the situation isn’t that uncommon, Eiselstein said.

In late October, a deer was found trapped in a similar candy bucket in suburban Cincinnati. Despite warnings, residents tracked the animal for hours, caught it using catch poles and freed it, according to news reports.

“We encourage everyone to put their buckets inside after Halloween,” he said.