Over the past few days, the Lago Vista Police Department in Texas has been fielding a wave of concerned calls about an unusual sight around town: a deer wandering the neighborhood with what appears to be part of a hammock tangled around his antlers.
To many residents and wildlife advocates, the situation sounded serious. Objects caught in an animal’s antlers can be dangerous, and in many cases, quick human intervention is necessary to prevent injury or worse.
But after assessing the situation, local officials are asking the public to take a deep breath.
“We’ve received lots of calls about a local deer who has fully committed to his emo era,” the Lago Vista Police Department joked in a social media post. “He’s been spotted rocking a hammock tangled in his antlers. While his ‘forest-core fashion’ is… bold, he’s doing just fine.”
Despite the awkward accessory, the deer has been seen eating, drinking and moving around normally. Wildlife observers have noted that while the hammock looks uncomfortable, it hasn’t stopped him from going about his daily routine — even if it’s made him a bit of an outcast.
“The other bucks tend to chase him off,” local wildlife advocate Becky Borgstrand told The Dodo. “The does will tolerate him sometimes, but he’s mostly on his own.”
Some residents suggested tranquilizing the deer to remove the hammock. However, Texas Parks & Wildlife advised against it, explaining that intervention could pose a greater risk than leaving him alone.
“Science — and actual wildlife experts — say the deer is doing fine,” the police department reassured the public.
Luckily, the deer’s unconventional look won’t last forever.
“There’s no need to step in,” officials added. “Male deer naturally shed their antlers before the end of winter, so his emo-chic accessory will fall off on its own.”
For now, Borgstrand is keeping a watchful eye on the deer and hoping he stays safe until his antlers drop.
“Our local wildlife means a lot to the people of Lago Vista,” she said. “And we’re all rooting for him to make it through this phase.”
