Midland Park, N.J. — A white‑tailed buck that has captured the attention of residents across the township is now the focus of a community‑wide effort to remove a pole and netting tangled in its antlers. The animal, which has been spotted moving through the town’s wooded areas with the debris attached to its head, has quickly become a local celebrity.
Neighbors have been sharing photos and video on social media, documenting the deer’s slow, clanking progress as it navigates the town’s trails. “There’s a pathway that they cut through, but because he has the pole, you can hear the ‘clank, clank, clank’ on the trees,” said Midland Park resident Gwen Gawricki, who has been following the situation closely.
Residents have contacted the township’s animal control, the county fish and wildlife department, and local police, urging officials to intervene. According to the township, animal control officials need the deer to be in a contained area before they can safely remove the entanglement. The challenge, however, is that the buck does not stay in one place for long, making it difficult to corral.
Community monitoring and reporting
Many Midland Park residents have taken it upon themselves to track the deer’s movements, posting updates and asking others to keep an eye out for the animal. “Someone had shared a picture that he was laying down flat. You can see it’s wrapped tight around his antler,” Gawricki added, noting the concern that the netting could be affecting the deer’s ability to feed or rest.
The township’s state game warden continues to receive calls about the deer, and officials say that any information about where the animal is spending time could help them locate it and safely remove the pole and netting. While the exact impact on the buck’s health remains unclear, wildlife experts stress that prolonged entanglement can lead to injury, reduced mobility, and difficulty foraging.
What residents can do
Authorities are asking anyone who spots the deer to call the Midland Park animal control line or the county wildlife hotline with the most recent location details. Prompt reporting can increase the chances of safely containing the animal and providing the necessary assistance.
In the meantime, community members are encouraged to keep a respectful distance, avoid approaching the deer, and refrain from attempting to free the entanglement themselves, as improper handling could cause further harm.
The town’s wildlife officials remain hopeful that, with continued community vigilance, they will be able to secure a safe environment for the buck and remove the hazardous debris. Residents say they will keep sharing updates until the deer is safely freed.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
