MAGGIE VALLEY, N.C. — An elk with a toddler’s swing entangled in its antlers was spotted by residents in Maggie Valley on Friday, Nov. 28, prompting a response from local wildlife officials, ABC affiliate WLOS in Asheville reported.
On Monday just after 11 a.m., the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office reported that the swing had been taken off of the antlers of the elk by N.C. Wildlife Resources agents, including District Biologist Justin McVey, Wildlife Sgt. Tanner Baldwin and Wildlife Officer Melinda Parish.
A resident who lived nearby was monitoring the elk’s location, according to the NCWRC. Agents said it took less than 30 minutes to dart the elk, which was a 3-1/2-old male, to get it sedated, get the swing off and wake it back up. Agents said the elk then “went on its merry way.”
NCWRC said the swing looked to be an old child swing as the rope was “really old and the swing part looked like it was about to fall off of it from being so worn.”
The night before, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post that it was aware of the elk and had contacted the NCWRC.
“We are aware of the elk with a swing tangled in his antlers,” the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post on Nov. 30. “Our team has been in contact with N.C. Wildlife, and with the assistance of wildlife officers and an N.C. Wildlife biologist, they are working on a plan to safely help this elk in the morning.”
Gina Zachary, the public information officer with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, expressed gratitude for the community’s concern and the quick response from NC Wildlife.
“We care deeply about our local elk population — they are a cherished and iconic part of Maggie Valley,” she said.
The Wildlife Resources Commission provides guidelines on its website for viewing elk and reporting any distress or unauthorized interactions with wildlife. They encourage the public to contact NCWRC Law Enforcement for any wildlife violations.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission also got in touch with WLOS on Monday and said a biologist was on the way to the elk and would also provide updates.
Efforts are underway to ensure the elk is safely assisted, with wildlife officials closely monitoring the situation. The community’s involvement has been crucial in addressing the issue promptly.
The Wildlife Resources Commission has tips on its website for viewing elk and what to do if anyone sees an elk in distress in the wild.
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