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Elk Rescued From Fence In Routt County

ROUTT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- An elk was rescued and returned to the wild after it was found caught in a wire fence.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manager Jim Haskins, along with a Routt County Sheriff's deputy, found the yearling elk tangled in a smooth wire fence.

Steamboat Fence Elk 3 (credit to John Russell Steamboat Pilot)
(credit: John Russell/Steamboat Pilot)

The deputy cut the fence and then both men tipped the elk up on its sternum. The animal stood up and ran away.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the elk did suffer an injury to its leg but it shouldn't affect its well being.

Steamboat Fence Elk 4 (credit to John Russell Steamboat Pilot)
(credit: John Russell/Steamboat Pilot)

CPW asks those who find animals trapped or in a similar situation should not take matters into their own hands but should call CPW and wildlife officers will help.

Steamboat Fence Elk 2 (credit to John Russell Steamboat Pilot)
(credit: John Russell/Steamboat Pilot)
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