An unfortunate combination of the deer mating season and holiday festivities has seen Colorado officials put out a reminder to decorate with wildlife in mind, after receiving an uptick in calls about bucks getting stuck.

The deer mating season – known as the rut – begins in the fall and typically continues through to late December. During this time, it’s particularly common to see bucks get their antlers tangled up in all kinds of common backyard features, from soccer goal nets and swing sets to wire cages and hoses.

According to a statement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), in the last month in Durango, wildlife officers have had to free multiple bucks caught in such circumstances – and callouts may only be set to increase as people start putting up holiday decorations on and outside their houses.

“Our wildlife officers respond to calls every year of deer stuck in various netting and holiday decorations,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Adrian Archuleta in the statement.

It’s not just sexual frustration that the stuck bucks are at risk of either. “In some cases, these hazards prevent the deer from being able to eat and breathe,” explained Archuleta. “Additionally, this causes high levels of stress on the animal and can lead to fatality.”

To try and avoid such incidents, CPW have set out some advice for decorating with deer in mind. 

This includes not draping decorations such as lights loosely in places like shrubbery or tree trunks; bucks like to sharpen their antlers on the latter, providing a prime opportunity to get tangled up. Similarly, it’s recommended to avoid stringing decorations between trees and bushes.

Instead, officials suggest popping decorations up at least 2.4 meters (8 feet) off the ground and ensuring that they are firmly attached to structures.

However, in the unfortunate circumstance that someone does find a deer tangled up, the best course of action is to let the experts tackle the problem – approaching a stressed buck, particularly during mating season, is not a sensible idea.

“When deer do become entangled, it is important for the public to call their closest CPW office quickly with location information,” said Archuleta. “People should never try to free deer of these hazards themselves because of the serious risk of injury that can be caused by antlers and hooves.”

And if you’re out on a post-festive dinner dog walk, it’s a good idea to keep your pooch pal on their leash, too. In November and December, CPW also received several reports of attacks involving deer and dogs.

“During the rut, bucks persistently pursue does to mate,” CPW explained in a statement. “They can view any animal, like pets, as a threat to their chance for reproduction and are known to attack perceived threats.”