Last month in Colorado, a mama deer sent two animal control officers on a heart-pounding chase through suburban Littleton. A resident called into the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office after spotting the doe struggling with a large piece of metal wrapped around her neck.
Officers McMullen and Bennett arrived around dinner time to find the deer huddled on the ground in a backyard, behind a shed. They could see she’d somehow wriggled her way into a four-panel wire tomato tower from someone’s garden.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Mark A. Neitro, public affairs and communications specialist for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, told The Dodo these types of incidents are common in the Denver metro area. He’s seen deer tangled in hammocks and antlers caught on holiday decorations.
This particular deer had a fawn nearby who needed his mom. As the sun would start setting soon, Officers Bennett and McMullen had to act quickly.
Unfortunately, the moment the mama deer spotted them, she hopped a fence and took off.
Without skipping a beat, Officer Bennett followed.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
After losing the deer briefly, the officers spotted her a few minutes later, struggling against another fence. Suddenly, the deer tripped over her own hooves, bellowing as she fell to the ground.
Officer Bennett saw her chance — she covered the exhausted deer with a thick blanket and held her tightly as Officer McMullen moved in to help.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
“You’re OK, sweetie,” Officer Bennett can be heard saying to the distressed deer, rubbing her back gently.
To ensure the deer’s safety, the officers decided against sliding the wire tower off. Instead, Officer McMullen cut the tower in several places with bolt cutters, then pulled it apart and out from underneath the terrified deer.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
As the officer backed away, the deer sat for a moment before standing up and running away to find her baby.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
In a post about the dramatic chase on Facebook, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reminded folks: “Secure your garden gear and call us if an animal needs help.”
Neitro said neighbors spotted the mama deer and her baby later on, casually eating a meal. Both seemed in good health.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Hopefully, they’ll steer clear of tomatoes in the future.
