Earlier this week, Grande Prairie Fish and Wildlife rescued a bull elk with a very long cord wrapped up in its antlers. 

They shared the story today on Facebook.  

Fish and Wildlife got the report Monday morning (Sept. 7) from a hunter that the elk had dragged several hundred feet of the wire as it tried to escape and cross a range road under construction. 

The officers found the elk in a wheat field, trying to shake off the very strong telecommunications cable.  

“As the officer headed into the field to release the elk, he had to develop a plan on the spot. He needed to find a way to safely bring the elk closer into the range of the tranquilizer gun, so he can immobilize and free it from its bonds.  

“With what can only be described as a combination of rodeo roping and deep sea fishing techniques, the officer used the cable to control and reel the elk out of the wheat field, and once it was within range, the officer quickly immobilized the elk and removed the cable from its antlers. The officer also removed the antlers, so the elk would not be harvested, allowing the immobilizing drugs to leave its system.  

“In just over an hour from the officer arriving at the scene, the elk was released and last observed heading south.” 

The officer also marked the elk with a tag so hunters know the meat shouldn’t be eaten.  

Fish and Wildlife provided a warning for those who encounter an animal in distress. 

“Being handled by humans is extremely stressful for wildlife. Even if your intention is to help, your attempts may actually harm wildlife and put yourself and others at risk.” 

Instead of handling the wildlife, call the nearest Fish and Wildlife office for advice or contact the 24 hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.