Here’s what to do when a deer gets a toboggan stuck on its face

A deer got its head stuck in a toboggan outside an Okotoks condo complex Tuesday night.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife was called to assist a deer near a condo complex in Okotoks that had a toboggan stuck to its head.

According to an article from OkotoksOnlline.com by Julie Patton, on Nov. 25, the mule deer was spotted by an Okotoks resident, Melanie Gilmore Doell, who tried with her boyfriend to help dislodge the toboggan, but every time they got close, the animal would get spooked.

Fish and Wildlife officers were called out to see if they could get the toboggan off its head.

In a statement to CTV News, they said the story had a happy ending.

“On Nov. 27 at approximately 4:30 p.m., a fish and wildlife officer arrived on scene at the deer’s last known location near a condo complex on the north end of Okotoks.

“The officer was able to locate the deer, safely immobilize it, and successfully remove the toboggan from its antlers. While the deer was immobilized, the officer conducted an overall health check and found no obvious injuries on the animal.

“The deer was immediately given a reversal drug and was able to get up and safely walk away shortly after.”

In a Facebook update, a user named Louis Levesque posted an update suggesting a conservation officer named Phil had successfully managed to separate the toboggan from the mule deer.

“We have a deer hero to thank!” Levesque posted. “I believe the conservation officer’s name was Phil. He came into the Mesa condo area and tranquilized the deer and removed the rope and the wooden toboggan!

“What a relief for all wildlife fans as it was hard to watch over the last few days!

“Great job!! Thanks so much Phil!”

Doell posted a response to the good news.

“Thanks Louis for the update. I was the one who took the photo above on Tuesday night in the Mesa Complex. We tried to get close enough that night. But when he started whipping it around like a helicopter we knew it was too risky.

“Glad to hear we finally have a positive outcome!!!”