Deer Whose Head Was Stuck in Fake Pumpkin Frees Itself

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A deer whose head was stuck in a plastic Halloween jack-o'-lantern for nearly a week has freed itself and will be fine, animal rescuers said Saturday.

Two children found a dented, hair-lined plastic pumpkin in their yard Friday night, and other neighbors saw a thin deer running free, The Grand Rapids Press reported. It was rainy Friday, which rescuers think helped the young deer wriggle free.

Rescuers had planned to use a dart gun to tranquilize the yearling, then remove the bucket, meant for collecting candy.

The bucket was stuck on the animal's snout, hanging like a feed bag, preventing it from eating or drinking. It had appeared to be snagged on the buck's ears or horn buds.

Dr. Wendy Swift, a veterinarian, said there was some water residue in the bucket, which probably provided the deer with some water to drink.

"I think this deer will be just fine," Swift said.