Below is a Facebook post from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
An elk entangled in a telephone wire was freed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023.
A 6×6 bull elk became entangled with a telecommunication wire and got wrapped around a nearby pine tree and telephone pole in Sinnemahoning, in Cameron County.
Pennsylvania state game wardens Griffin Gdovin and Peyton Edwards, along with Sergeant Kolton Mueller, and Elk Biologist Aide Makayla Whaling responded to the call. A Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission officer, state trooper, the power company, and a few members from the public were also on scene.
The bull was sedated and then the bull’s vitals were monitored while the wire was cut free from its antlers. A GPS collar was fitted to the bull to monitor future movements and ensure his health after such a stressful event. Numbered ear tags and “do not eat” ear tags were also placed in the bull’s ears, since we are currently in elk archery season.
The bull was then given a reversal drug and walked away uninjured.
It’s not uncommon for elk to become entangled in loose items, especially this time of year. Severe cases like this would ultimately end in an agonizing death for the animal without intervention.
We encourage camp and property owners in the elk range to remove any old wire fencing and secure other loose hanging objects such as rope swings, extension cords, swing sets and outdoor decorative lighting.
Please report any Pennsylvania wildlife issues to 1-833-PGC-WILD (833-742- 9453).
THANK YOU to everyone who reported this bull to the Game Commission and to everyone who helped safely free it from the wire.
Click here to see more photos.
(Photo credit: Pennsylvania Game Commission)