Bull Elk Strangled to Death in Idaho Backyard

An Idaho bull elk has died after it was strangled by an item in a backyard.

The elk was found in the Wood River Valley area of Idaho. Pictures posted by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) show the elk's head completely entangled in layers of rope.

It isn't clear what the item is, but Idaho Fish and Game said it had been hanging in a backyard. It added that this is a regular occurrence.

"Every year, our offices across the state receive numerous reports about entangled wildlife," Idaho Fish and Game said in a Facebook post. "Residents are encouraged to inspect their yards for items that can entangle wildlife, especially wildlife with antlers like deer, elk and moose. This means, taking down swings, hammocks, wires and strings of lights and putting them away in the garage or other secure storage area. Entangled wildlife can die from choking, exhaustion, or injure themselves in efforts to get free. Entangled wildlife can easily injure people who are trying to help free them from backyard equipment."

There are an estimated 107,000 elk in Idaho. During the winter months, Idaho wildlife such as elk usually migrate down to lower elevations, meaning they are more likely to wander into residential areas and come into conflict with people.

Idaho Fish and game said residents can prevent deaths such as this by not feeding wildlife as this can result in them becoming attracted to backyards, increasing the likelihood that they will get entangled.

But it isn't just summer backyard items that pose a risk to wildlife. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recently warned residents that Christmas decorations can pose a serious risk to native wildlife.

That was after a buck became tangled in a string of lights. Fortunately, wildlife officials arrived to the area quickly enough to save the animal.

"This buck got a head start on decking the halls and was first reported to ODFW before Thanksgiving. No injuries were found and the buck got up quickly and went on its way. A yellow ear tag was placed in each ear for identification purposes," Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said on a Facebook post.

"Bucks rub their antlers on trees, bushes and other objects— in September to get rid of velvet and during the rut from October into mid-December to mark territory and show dominance against other bucks. Each fall we receive reports of bucks tangled up in volleyball nets, hammocks and yes, even Christmas lights."