Ruidoso elk entangled with stool was freed

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An elk in Ruidoso, who got tangled with a chair stuck on its head, has been freed, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish on Thursday, Jan. 2.

As KTSM previously reported, a cow elk with a metal stool hanging from her neck was found in Ruidoso, but the department said the animal was able to move around, eat and drink.

Officers from the department found the animal and tried to give the elk time to free itself from the stool, before taking "more drastic measures," according to the department.

According to the department, after giving the animal time and space, the elk did not remove it herself. Agents, with the help of local law enforcement, sedated the animal and quickly removed the stool.

The elk appeared in good health after the ordeal and by Thursday morning, was up and walking with her herd - stool-free, the department said.

According to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, elk becoming tangled in lawn furniture or other foreign objects has become a recurring issue in Ruidoso.

The department said in January 2024, officers captured and removed furniture from three other elks in the course of one week.

Since then, the number of entanglements has slowed but is still somewhat common.

The department is encouraging Ruidoso residents to take in loose furniture for the coming winter season.

Residents are also asked to refrain from feeding or encouraging elk to spend time near homes to reduce the chances wild animals will come in contact with similar hazards.