DELAFIELD, Wis. — Deer are always a common sight in Waukesha County’s Lake Country. 

It is not unusual in this community where wildlife frequently meets suburban life. However, one deer facing a peculiar predicament this week has captured the attention of just about everyone nearby. 

This past weekend, 11-year-old Colton Hughes was playing in his yard when he noticed a deer in the woods with something orange around its head. 

“At first I thought it was a bird feeder, like a hummingbird feeder or something like that,” Colton said. “Then when it looked towards me I realized it was a pumpkin stuck on its head.” 

Colton ran to get his father, Mark. 

“I thought it was a joke at first,” Mark said. “I went outside to look at it.”

While it may have seemed funny, the family realized it was no laughing matter. They believed the deer had likely had the plastic pumpkin stuck to its head for several days, meaning it was unable to eat. They quickly picked up the phone and called HAWS of Waukesha County, an animal welfare organization.

They also contacted neighbors to be on the lookout. 

While the deer was spotted several times, no one was able to get close enough to help it. However, on Tuesday night, a HAWS staff member was able to successfully tranquilize the deer, allowing it to become docile enough for neighbors to come help it. In less than a minute, they were able to get the pumpkin off its head. 

Mark credits HAWS for their assistance and all of his neighbors for their willingness to help. 

“We get a little bit of peace, a little bit of happiness knowing that you saved this animal,” he said.

Proof that for this group of people, the phrase “neighbors helping neighbors” extends far beyond humans.