TheDenverChannel.com









Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Sparring Elk Gets Stuck In Swing

Bull Elk Had To Be Tranquilized

POSTED: 5:22 pm MDT September 5, 2007
UPDATED: 3:29 pm MDT September 6, 2007

A large bull elk is now licking his pride after it sparred with a swing and the swing won.

The elk was thrusting his antlers on a large wooden swingset when he got his antlers caught in the chain of a swing Wednesday morning.

He battled and struggled for two hours, even dragging the 400-pound swingset about 25 feet, said Kris Hazelton with Estes Park News.

The bull became so stressed out, distraught and exhausted trying to free himself that he ended up just laying down. An official with the Colorado Department of Wildlife and a veterinarian from Loveland were called in to help out.

They tranquilized the elk, gently removed the chains from his antlers and gave him a shot of antibiotics and painkillers because he had struggled so hard. The also tagged him because anytime an elk gets tranquilized, officials have to identify it so that if a hunter takes it down, they know not to consume the meat because of the drugs in its body.

About 10 minutes later, the elk staggered away, a bit wobbly, but swing free.

He did give the swing a really dirty look, though, when he wandered back into the wilderness.

Wildlife officials say this problem occurs every fall, when the breeding season is just beginning, and elk like to spar with things like hammocks, volleyball nets, tire swings, or anything that moves. Unfortunately, they often get caught up in them.

The CDOW is urging residents in Estes Park to bring these items in for the fall to help the poor guys out.

Additional Resource:

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Sponsored Links

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network

Shop Your Insurance

SAVE up to 30% on Insurance
Paying too much for insurance? Get quotes from multiple companies and choose the best plan for you. Start saving now!

Insurance Type:


Zip Code: