A man trying to free a mule deer buck tangled in wire on a private property near Walla Walla ended up entrapped himself Monday afternoon, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said. I read the department’s statement on the incident, which occurred around 1 p.m. Oct. 26 in Walla Walla County.
Two individuals spotted the young buck caught in wire and attempted to cut it free using bolt cutters. During the effort, an adult male became trapped in the wire as well. WDFW Police received the report and responded to the scene. No further details on the outcome for the man or the deer were provided in the statement.
What this means for Washington homeowners
Wild animals like deer can become entangled in fencing, netting, or discarded wire on residential properties. If you find an animal in distress, keep a safe distance and contact WDFW before attempting a rescue. Improper handling can injure you and the animal, and entangled wildlife may panic and cause unintended harm. Washington’s wildlife agency recommends calling the local WDFW office for guidance rather than intervening directly.
To prevent similar incidents, inspect your property for loose wire, old fencing, or climbing ropes that could trap wildlife. For other nuisance situations around the home, the best animal repellents can help deter deer and other animals without creating entanglement hazards. If you encounter droppings near the rescue site, proper identification of animal waste, including raccoon poop and other species, can help you avoid health risks.
The notice is published by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at wdfw.wa.gov.
