Rescuers Free Deer From Pumpkin Bucket After 10-Day Search

A fawn has returned to its natural habitat after volunteers with Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) found and freed it from a plastic pumpkin bucket lodged over its head. The search lasted 10 days and ended at Hines Park in Westland, near Detroit, before November 9.

The rescue group had asked the public to report sightings and received updates and photos. Volunteers said the buck appeared to be growing weak and feared it might become dehydrated or starve. Searchers also sought help from drone pilots, including someone with a heat-sensing drone.

After the deer was spotted in the park, volunteers tracked it through woods and crossed a river several times before safely tranquilizing it. They removed the bucket and gave the young buck fluids. It was ear-tagged because of the tranquilizing medication, which the group said regulations mandate to protect people. Veterinarians then counteracted the drug, and the deer got to its feet and left.

DAWG thanked the volunteers, its veterinarian and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which had authorized the group to tranquilize the deer if it could catch up with it. The rescue group said the deer paused to groom itself before heading away.