This is probably a perfect example of why human trash doesn't mix well with wildlife. Wildlife officials in Colorado recently freed a bull elk from a tire that had been around its neck for two years.
Officials first saw the elk back in 2019 after conducting a population survey of Rocky Mountain sheep and mountain goats. The elk had been seen a few times. (See photos and video below) But, wildlife officials say the elk was hard to find and even harder to get close to.
Over the two years, officials were able to monitor the animal and saw the tire was NOT affecting its ability to eat and drink. But, officials were concerned the elk could get tangled in tree branches, fencing, or with another elk's antlers.
Officials spotted the animal recently and safely tranquilized it to remove the tire. They had to cut off its antlers to slide the tire off. They say the tire was full of about 10 lbs. of debris. But in the end, the elk's neck was in pretty good condition. Its hair had rubbed off a little bit and there was a small open wound on its neck.
Photos courtesy of Pat Hemstreet.
