Efforts underway to help free deer in Fox Chapel area from plastic bucket stuck around its neck

A young buck in the Fox Chapel area got itself in a jam a few weeks ago when it somehow got its neck stuck in a plastic animal feeder.

It has been spotted by area residents with the container still around its neck.

O’Hara resident Melissa Marlo said she has encountered the deer over the past month during her morning walks between Field Club Road and Driftwood Drive.

Courtesy of Melissa Marlo

A whitetail deer with a plastic feeding bucket on its head is seen in a backyard in O’Hara, as the family’s dog looks on.

“He’s always been friendly and doesn’t appear to be bothered by the situation,” Marlo said. “I’m happy to see that he’s usually with other deer.”

Marlo contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission to report her sightings.

Seth Mesoras, a game commission spokesman, confirmed game wardens are trying to help the deer but have been unsuccessful in getting close enough to tranquilize it so they can safely remove the plastic bucket.

“Although it may be uncomfortable to see, the deer is eating and drinking, and mobile and socializing,” he said. “Although unfortunate, it’s not prohibiting the deer now.”

Mesoras said the deer is healthy and in no immediate danger, but he said that could change.

The bucket could slide farther up the deer’s neck and prevent it from eating.

Mesoras is unsure of the exact circumstances that befell the deer, but said it appears the deer was trying to go after food inside an outdoor chicken feeder and got its head stuck.

Mesoras said the unlucky deer is a young buck with some antler growth. It appears to be younger than 2 years old.

“What happened to this deer is pretty common,” he said. “Our officers in the 10-county region see wildlife get into awkward situations, and Allegheny and Westmoreland counties are the most populated. We get the most reports from there.”

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, has joined efforts to help free the buck from its predicament.

Steele, a member of the Pennsylvania Game and Fish Committee, also contacted the state game commission when she was alerted to the deer’s situation.

“They will work to track and tranquilize the deer and safely remove the contraption,” Steele said Wednesday.

Residents have posted photos of the deer on several private Facebook groups in an effort to pinpoint its location.

Mesoras urged the public not to interact with the deer, or any wild animal.

“Don’t take matters into your own hands,” Mesoras said. “Don’t put your hands on a wild animal.”

To report a sighting of the deer, call the game commission at 833-742-9453.