Colorado Elk Freed After Two Years Of Carrying Tire Around His Neck

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

For one elk in Colorado, an 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 found himself constrained 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 spread, people began to wonder how long he could survive under such conditions. Wildlife officials first noticed him through trail cameras, and with each sighting, concern grew. 

The tire squeezed through the narrow opening around his neck, and the rusted metal rim pressed 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.”

Every time the elk appeared on camera, the team feared for his safety. They kept a constant watch, hoping for an opportunity to intervene. Yet every attempt to approach him ended with the elk disappearing into the forest, evading capture. 

Still, the rescuers refused to give up. They dedicated countless hours to tracking him 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 brought the elk gently to the ground, allowing the team to approach without causing panic. 

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

As they got closer, the extent of the damage became clear. The tire had dug painfully into his fur and skin, and the corroded metal rim made freeing him a delicate task. To remove it safely, the team made a difficult decision: they had to cut off his antlers. 

While this 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. Relief was immediate. The elk lay on the ground, free at last, the heavy ring of entrapment discarded beside him. 

Although his antlers would take a few months to regrow, his newfound freedom was far more important.

This rescue marked the beginning of a new chapter for the elk. He could now 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 experience true freedom once again.