Photo courtesy of the Medicine River Wildlife Centre.
The Medicine River Wildlife Centre is reminding Central Albertans to be mindful of wildlife when decorating for the holiday season.
This time of year, common calls to the centre include moose and deer with lights tangled in their antlers.
The Medicine River Wildlife Centre took to social media to explain that loosely hung decor, especially on archways or between trees, is generally what causes the problem. However, stringing lights securely and against buildings or structures can help mitigate the issue.
“When decorating, consider putting your lights up higher,” said Carol Kelly, Medicine River Wildlife Centre Executive Director. “Think about the size of a moose and go higher.”
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Last week, Kelly received multiple calls regarding a moose in the Timberstone area of Red Deer, with lights tangled in its antlers.
“Whether he broke them off, stepped on them, or rubbed them off, he could easily break them off,” Kelly said.
As long as the lights are not wrapped around the animal's neck, or
are caught on something and preventing the animal from moving, there is nothing anyone can do to help.
“We've never had a problem with them getting caught,” Kelly said. “Typically, they're moving, they're eating, they're doing fine, even though they're well decorated.”
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