A Michigan wildlife rescue team has finally freed a young deer that spent 10 days with a plastic pumpkin stuck over its snout, leaving the animal unable to eat or drink.
The Detroit Animal Welfare Group, a nonprofit based in Romeo, began searching for the buck after it was spotted wandering with the artificial gourd covering its nose and mouth.
On Sunday, the rescuers tracked the young button buck through Hines Park, a 2,300-acre area in Wayne County. Their effort included crossing a river roughly 20 feet wide four times as they worked to get within range.
“We climbed steep, muddy banks and hills, made our way through fallen branches and dense brush, and finally managed to safely dart the deer. The bucket was removed!” the Detroit Animal Welfare Group said in a statement.
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The deer was moderately dehydrated, so the team administered fluids before reversing the effects of the tranquilizer. Once he had recovered, the buck was released back into the wild without the pumpkin.
Rescuers also attached a “do not eat until” tag to his ear. The warning is legally required to protect people in case the deer is later hunted for food after receiving sedatives.
“Happy tears! We’ll finally get some sleep tonight, even though we’re cold, soaked and smell like a swamp,” the nonprofit said. “We want to thank everyone who joined the search over the past 10 days.”
