UPPER ARLINGTON — Gahanna has had its lion. Minerva Park has had its howler monkey. Now, it’s Upper Arlington’s turn to become a part of the central Ohio “wild kingdom.”
UPDATE (9:24 a.m. 12/9) – see UAPD’s tweet:
A resident of Columbus near Henderson and Chevy Chase called to say that he found a pumpkin bucket by his deer feeder this morning. It is likely that the deer who has been the source of so much attention has shed his bulbous, orange muzzle.
— City of Upper Arlington Police Division (@CityofUAPolice) December 9, 2017
Ohio wildlife officials say a deer with its head trapped in a plastic Halloween candy bucket has been spotted by residents in the suburb.
The City is aware of reports of a young deer with a plastic pumpkin bowl stuck on its head. A team of wildlife agencies is working to help asap. If you see the deer, DO NOT attempt to it, you will only frighten it more. Call Police at 614-583-5140.
— City of Upper Arlington (@CityofUA) December 6, 2017
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife has advised the public not try to trap the animal seen near the Squirrel Bend and Slate Run neighborhoods last weekend and again Thursday morning, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Officials say social media postings suggest some people may try to trap the deer themselves to rescue it. But they warn the deer could injure someone.
Department spokesman Matt Eiselstein says they hope the deer will be able to get the bucket off its head on its own or slow down enough for wildlife personnel to approach the animal and help it.
Anyone spotting the deer should call Upper Arlington police.