Trail Cam Captures Buck Carrying 2nd Deer's Antlers and Wire on Its Rack

Q: Will authorities track down this entangled Colorado buck before exhaustion turns a viral spectacle into a tragedy?

There is no public indication yet that authorities are actively tracking this specific Colorado buck, so whether it is found in time will likely depend on someone reporting a precise location quickly. The video shows a deer still mobile, which suggests it is not yet fully immobilized. But wildlife experts say wire, netting and fencing caught in antlers can turn dangerous fast. During the rut, bucks already burn significant energy fighting and roaming; added weight and snagging risk can lead to panic, injury, starvation or exhaustion. Cases in Colorado, New Jersey and elsewhere show that entangled deer can sometimes be rescued, but only when responders know where the animal is and can safely contain it. There is reason for cautious optimism. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has responded in similar situations, including a reported case in Estes Park where officers tranquilized an elk and removed cable from its antlers the same day. Other wildlife agencies routinely advise the public to report entangled deer rather than intervene themselves, because frightened bucks are powerful and unpredictable. So the likely answer is: only if the buck is seen again and its location is promptly relayed to wildlife officers. A viral video alone usually is not enough for a rescue. If observers can identify the property or movement pattern and notify Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the deer’s chances improve significantly; if not, the risk of the situation ending badly remains real.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 8

WiseEye footage going viral shows a buck walking with another deer's antlers dangling from its own rack and wire wrapped around the antlers.
The extra antlers could have been caught after two male deer sparred, a rare but documented outcome when bucks lock up and separate.
The wire adds a second mystery, suggesting the animal may have tangled with a fence and torn the material loose before it coiled around the rack.
The clip has spread online as unusual wildlife footage, highlighting how rut fights and human-made obstacles can leave deer carrying debris or remains.