Colorado Elk’s Agonising Two Year Struggle Ends When Rescuers Remove A Tire From His Neck

It’s shocking how a simple piece of discarded trash can become a deadly trap for wildlife. Something as ordinary as an old tire can turn into a constant source of pain for an animal that should be roaming freely in its natural habitat.

For a single elk in Colorado, the old tire became an unyielding weight, trapping him and restricting his freedom for a full two years.

Once a symbol of strength and majesty, this elk was trapped by something that had no business in the wild.

During that time, he endured silently, unable to shake off the weight that clung tightly around his neck. As the story began to spread, people wondered how long he could survive in such conditions. 

Wildlife officials first noticed him through trail cameras, and their concern grew with each sighting. The tire was squeezing through the small opening around his neck, the rusted metal rim pressing painfully against his fur and skin.

Officials were especially worried about the upcoming breeding season, when an elk’s neck naturally thickens. 

Scot Murdoch explained in a YouTube video: 

“Our worry was that the animal would fill up the entire center of that tire and potentially restrict blood flow or air or ability to grow because that tire was around its neck.”

Each time the elk appeared on camera, the team feared for his survival. They kept a constant watch, hoping for an opportunity to intervene. 

But every attempt to approach him ended with the elk disappearing into the forest, evading capture. Still, the rescuers refused to give up, dedicating countless hours to tracking and planning a safe way to remove the tire.

After two years of careful strategizing and missed opportunities, they finally managed to reach him. A tranquilizer dart sent him slowly to the ground, allowing the team to approach without causing panic. 

Relief washed over everyone—it was a critical first step, but the most challenging part of the rescue was still ahead.

As they got closer, the depth of the damage became evident. The tire had dug painfully into his fur and skin, and the corroded metal rim made freeing him a delicate and challenging task.

To free him safely, the team had to make a difficult choice: cut off his antlers. While losing them would temporarily affect his status and dominance among other elk, it was the only way to prevent further injury.

With precision and care, the team sawed through the antlers and finally slid the tire off. The relief was immediate. 

The elk lay on the ground, free at last, the heavy ring of entrapment discarded beside him. Though his antlers would take a few months to regrow, his newfound freedom was far more important.

This elk’s release marked the beginning of a new chapter—one in which he could roam without restriction, live without pain, and reclaim his life in the wild. The tire, once a symbol of suffering, was gone, and the elk could finally be truly free again.